News Around the Country: Twin City Officers hold Historic One Day Strike

Officers Take a Stand For

Prompted by the failure of security contractors to address affordable health insurance, security officers held a strike for the first time ever in the Twin Cities on Monday, February 25, on the three largest security contractors in the area.

“From the beginning, this has been about building safer communities,” added Mike Kipka, a security officer at Block E in Minneapolis. “Whether it's affordable family health insurance or taking steps to improve training and reduce turnover in our industry, we need to do what's best not only for ourselves but for everyone in the Twin Cities.”

The one-day strike featured numerous rallies with hundreds of striking officers, elected leaders, and community allies such as U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken, State Representative Paul Thissen, St. Paul City Councilman Dave Thune, and Rev. Bruce Arnevik.

“Since day one, we have been committed to settling a contract that provides us with affordable health care for ourselves and our families in a responsible manner, “ said James Matias, a security officer for American Security in Saint Paul. “Unfortunately, the security companies would rather leave our health at risk than work together for solutions.”