SPSOA New York City Office 600 Third Avenue, 2nd floor, Manhattan, New York, 10016
SPSOA Long Island Office 626 RexCorp Plaza, 6th Floor, Uniondale, New York, 11556
Fax & Tel: (800) 516-5651 Website:www.SPSOA.ORG
Prepared especially for Security Police & Security Officers interested in
Organizing a Union with SPSOA
About SPSOA…………………………………………………………………………….
How Does the Union Function ................................................................................
Is the Union a Third Party? .....................................................................................
Who’s the Union the SPSOA or The Membership?.................................................
Can I be legally fired for forming a Union?...............................................................
What will be in our first contract? ............................................................................
Do we pay Union dues right away?.........................................................................
What are the Monthly Union Dues Used For?........................................................
Does the SPSOA belong to the AFL-CIO?..............................................................
Why Do I Need a Union to Protect Myself?.............................................................
What are the Benefits of Joining a Union like SPSOA? ……………………………..
Why has management hired a Union Buster to Stop us from forming a Union?.....
What Do Union Busters Do and What Should I Expect?.........................................
What is the Organizing Process?.............................................................................
SPSOA Membership Card……………………………………………………………….
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SECURITY POLICE & SECURITY OFFICERS OF AMERICA - SPSOA
Since the tragedy of September 11 and the announcement of President George W. Bush on December 22,
2001, to boost spending on domestic U.S. homeland security by at least $15 Billion in his next budget, private
security companies must take a much more serious look at the need for upgrading this industry.
Security Officers nationwide must be organized, better trained and committed to a higher standard of
providing private security to our nation's corporate offices, Federal and private properties and assets and the
general public. The industry has exploded in recent years for private security. There is an estimated one to
two million law enforcement professionals in some 13,000 private security companies today, and some say
that there are twice as many private security officers and special police officers protecting federal, state and
county buildings as police officers. The number of private security officers and security police officers in the
industry has grown nearly 20% in the last ten years, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it will
increase another 21-35% by 2019 as companies beef up security to allay fears of crime, vandalism, and
terrorism.
With homeland security at high alert the of the Security Police & Security Officers of America (SPSOA) has
officially notified the United States Department of labor of our existence as an association directly affiliated
with the Security Police Benevolent Association (SPBA) who's affiliations with several long established unions
through service agreements, joint organizing efforts and long term relationships, puts SPSOA in a better
position to assist in helping security professionals in obtaining national collective bargaining rights with their
employer and to act as a strong voice in Washington D.C. in establishing national training standards
nationwide.
Our mission is to unite the millions of security professionals nationwide in having a strong voice in
New York, Washington D.C. & nationwide through organizing & education.
To assist security police & security officers nationwide and in the New York city metropolitan area in forming a
security union to protect their rights and job security.
To assist security police & security officers in obtaining affordable benefits for them and their families through
collective bargaining and other means.
To bring awareness to the fact that security police & security officers are the FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE in a
terrorist attack, which means we stand for better training, higher wages, better benefits and less turnover to
ensure our safety and the safety of the United States of America.
Questions:
How does the Union function?
Who runs the Union?
Are leaders elected or appointed?
Answers: Your union will be run by and for the employers. It will be a democratic organization
Once you decide to organize with the SPSOA you will be assigned to one of five SPSOA local
unions depending on the jurisdiction you work in New York and/or a an SPSOA local outside of the
their jurisdiction. Decisions however, will be decided and voted on by your union membership.
Officers of the Local and representatives from every shift will be elected by members throughout the
entire facility. Each shift will elect representatives (shop stewards to assist with the day-to-day
issues that may arise.
Most unions meet regularly with management, and joint labor-management
committees, to handle problems and discuss operations issues, ect. The basic
idea is that the Union creates an equal relation between employees and
management.
Question:
Is the Union a third party?
Answer: The Union is not a third party. It is an organization run by and for the employees, with
assistance from the SPSOA National Union.
The SPSOA leadership and their professionals have a strong recorded of negotiating outstanding
wages, benefits and working conditions. The SPSOA will provide experienced negotiators, and legal
assistance for your elected negotiating committee. Your SPSOA leadership team has over 35 years
experience in negotiating Union contracts and we specialize in negotiating Service Contract Act
contracts which pertain to Security Police Officers and private Security Officers employed by such
companies as Wackenhut, G4S, WSI, Paragon Systems, SecTek, Akal, Deco Security, Trinity
Protective Service, Security Consultant Group and Securitas just to name a few.
As part of our continuing education program to our members the SPSOA has designed an online
shop steward training program which is on our website at www.SPSOA.org. This very detailed Shop
Steward membership program has everything a shop steward needs to know from what is a
grievance, writing a grievance, processing a grievance, do’s and don'ts and much much more.
Question:
Who’s The Union
the SPSOA or The Membership?
Answer:
The Membership YOU &
Your Co-Officers! A Union is only as strong as its members. A Union is what employees make of it. Its effectiveness is
based on competent representation of employees to run effectively. How strong is your local going
to be if nobody stands up for rights? Not Very strong. That is why local SPSOA members need to
stand up for themselves by attending Union meetings, becoming Shop Stewards, educating
themselves of their rights, participating on committees ect.
Such committees include:
Negotiating Committees to represent the group during the bargaining process.
Communication Committees to publish a regular newsletter, bulletin boards, community
announcements, ect
Community Service Committees to help co-sponsor community events, set up volunteer
networks to help needy citizens and raise money for charities.
Health and Safety Committees to monitor conditions at your facility and work situations to any
health or safety problems you or your co-officers may face.
Organizing is the Life Blood of any Union—Without organizing new members the
organization will not grow and employers will take advantage of this by paying substandard
wages and benefits if the majority of officers in a particular area or industry are not Unionized.
Question:
Can I Legally be Fired for Forming or participating
in organizing a Union at my workplace?
Answer:
NO
Sec. 7. § 157. of the National Labor Relations Act Clearly States: Employees shall have the right to
self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through
representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of
collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, and shall also have the right to refrain from
any or all such activities except to the extent that such right may be affected by an agreement
requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment as authorized in section
8(a)(3) section 158(a)(3) of this title.
National Labor Relations Act Clearly States:
Section 8(a)(3)—Discrimination Against Employees. Section 8(a)(3) makes it an unfair labor
practice for an employer to discriminate against employees “in regard to hire or tenure of
employment or any term or condition of employment” for the purpose of encouraging or
discouraging membership in a labor organization. In general, the Act makes it illegal for an employer
to discriminate in employment because of an employee’s union or other group, activity within the
protection of the Act. A banding together of employees, even in the absence of a formal
organization, may constitute a labor organization for purposes of Section 8(a)(3). Discrimination
within the meaning of the Act would include such action as refusing to hire, discharging, demoting,
assigning to a less desirable shift or job, or withholding benefits.
Question:
What will be in our first Union Contract ?
Answer:
When your Union committee sits down to bargain a contract with management, SPSOA professional
negotiators and/ or our attorney start from whatever conditions exist at that time at your work
location then we go forward from there. We stride to provide positive changes to your current
conditions. This means higher wages, better benefits, improved working conditions, job security,
seniority rights, a voice on the job, RESPECT and all other benefits you obtain from having a Union.
Before negotiations begin, the committee will develop proposals in consultation with all employees.
Everyone’s input will be allowed through meetings and our SPSOA Wage and Benefit surveys found
on our SPSOA website.
The negotiating committee will be trained and assisted by one of our professional SPSOA
negotiators, also on hand is our SPSOA General Counsel to assist in negotiations if needed.
The law states management must bargain in good faith over wages, benefits, working conditions
and job security, which are mandatory subjects of bargaining. Areas that need improvement
become the focus of negotiations with your employer. The items that employees are satisfied with
are secured in a Union contract.
After the contract is negotiated it cannot take effect unless it is
voted on and accepted (ratified) by a majority of members who
attend the ratification meeting and/or voting by mail ballot.
Question:
Do We Pay Union Dues Right Away?
Are their any Initiation Fees?
Answer:
As soon as we are legally authorized to represent you and your
fellow officers, our union has a legal obligation to represent you. So in an effort to better service & protect your rights we will begin the process once we become your
legal representative however this is all voluntary- not mandatory until a contract is negotiated.
There is also NO Initiation fees this has been waived.
Question:
How much are the membership dues, which our members call “Job Security”
Answer: Our membership dues start at just $25 per month / $6.25 cents per week.
The $25 dues rate is one of the lowest in the industry compared to
other security unions which charge double that amount and higher.
Question:
What are the Monthly Union Dues
Used For?
Answer: As in any nonprofit organization, dues are used to pay the operating expenses of the Union.
These expenses include office space, telephones, printing, travel expenses, websites, stationary,
mailings, membership magazines, meeting rooms, hotel expenses, professional fees including
attorney fees, accountant fees, consulting fees, arbitrations, legal costs, training programs,
organizing expenses, representative salaries ect.
Like any business the Union needs operating money to run. Employers get their revenue from
selling a product or service and Unions get their revenue by its members contributing each month a
small fraction of the costs by way of union dues.
Question:
What are the typical arbitration costs to the union?
Answer:
$15,000 when all is said and done.
This includes arbitration fees, attorney fees, briefs, travel costs, preparation of witnesses ect.
Unlike other security Unions in the Industry the SPSOA picks up 100% of the costs vs. splitting it in
half with the Local Union.
Question: What Security Industries does the SPSOA Seek to Represent?
Answer: The SPSOA seeks to represents every and all industries when it comes to security. This includes:
GSA Federal Facilities, Homeland Security, State and County Buildings, DHS/ FPS, Court Houses
Nuclear Facilities, Correctional Facilities, Detention Centers, Prisoner Transportation, Armored Car
Security, Campus Police , Military Facilities, Industrial Security, Hospital Security, Airport Security
Building Service Security, Port Authority Security, Seaport Security, Construction Site Security,
Shopping Mall Security, Corporate Banking Facilities, Parks Department Security, School Security
Sport Arena & Event Security, Night Club Security, Casino Security just to name a few.
Question:
Why Do I Need a Union to Protect Myself?
Answer: In a perfect world, your employer would provide you with decent
wages, good benefits, guaranteed job security, a safe work
environment, proper equipment ect.
Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world and many employers
take advantage of their workers.
Under the law if you are not protected under a employment agreement (Union Contract) you are an
at-will employee. This applies to all 50 states. What does this mean to you? This means without a
written Union contract you are an at-will employee and your employer can FIRE YOU for any reason
at all without just cause. JUST BECAUSE THEY CAN!
With a Union an employer must have JUST CAUSE to FIRE YOU and they must prove their
case before an arbitrator who will decide the merits of the case. This is outlined under the
Grievance & Arbitration procedures in your written UNION CONTRACT.
Other reasons why workers unionize:
When the company policies are not clear and understandable
When Supervisors are inconsistent with regard to nondiscriminatory work practices
When supervisors lack fair, consistent and tactful disciplinary procedures.
When supervisors and owners mistreat workers
The unwillingness of the company to address workplace problems & workers concerns
Low wages, poor or no benefits, no retirement plans, little or no sick days, holidays, vacation days.
.No Voice on the Job—A Lack of RESPECT!
Question:
What are the Benefits of Joining
a Union like SPSOA?
Answer: If you have no union representation you remain an at-will employee with no voice or rights.
However by organizing with SPSOA you now have a team of knowledgeable and experienced
representatives, consultants & attorneys specializing in organizing, negotiating Service Contract
Act contracts, health benefits, strong language protecting your rights, grievance handling, arbitration &
litigation, contract enforcement, wrongful termination, racial discrimination, hostile work environment,
age discrimination, disability discrimination, pregnancy discrimination and retaliation matter.
*Prominent Labor Law Attorneys
*Benefits Coordinators
*Experienced Union Representatives
*Experienced Consulting Professionals that know the Security Industry
*Over 35 years Experience in Negotiating & Enforcing Union Contracts
*We specialize in negotiating Service Contract Act Contracts & Private Contracts
Other Union benefits includes many advantages under the Service Contract Act which allows
Special Police officers to receive wages and benefits over and above the wage determination and
other protections afforded under the law. For more information visit our Service Contract Act section
on our website.
Question : What are the
Benefits of Joining a Union?
Unionized workers earn 28 more than
nonunion workers.
Unionized woman earn 31% more
than nonunion workers.
Unionized African Americans earn
37% more than nonunion African
American workers.
According to most recent studies, the
voice that union members have on
the job: Sharing in decision making
promotions and work production
standards increase productivity, have
better training standards, lower
turnover and longer tenure.
Question:
Why has management hired a Union Buster
to Stop us from forming a Union?
Answer:
Unfortunately management has a right under the law to get involved
with your decision to Unionize with the SPSOA. We believe they also know the SPSOA is a good
Union with a record of helping Security Police officers and Security Officers improve their lives. The
fact is that management does not want to share their power with you. Presently, management holds
all the cards and they have 100% control to do what ever they want whenever they want so why
should they give up any control to you?
One of the most predictable things they do is hire outside consultants called Union Busters. These
are usually high priced lawyers who have chosen not to practice law the hard way, but instead are
specialists in devising ways to intimidate and threaten with fear tactics their employees who are
looking to unionize.
These Union Busting consultants are like ambulance chasers. They look for union campaigns,
come in and convince employers they can defeat employees and manipulate laws that were passed
to protect them.
The Formula: x + x = FEAR & INTIMIDATION These consultants are hired by the employer to represent their interests. These consultants are
hired hit man who’s fees range from $1,500 to $3,000 dollars a day. So a typical union busting
campaign can run anywhere from a $100,000 thousand dollars and up in trying to defeat you.
This money would be better spent on giving you and your fellow officers the money & RESPECT
you all Deserve.
Question:
What Do Union Busters Do and What Should I
Expect From a Union Buster?
Answer: Unions Busters do two things: Union Busting Consultants train
supervisors who are the first line of defense in managements
plan of attack. These supervisors are used to carry the
anti-union message, so expect a lot of “friendly chats” with
your supervisor.
The other thing Union Busting Consultants do is to create an
atmosphere of FEAR & INTIMIDATION using Psychological
warfare techniques to get you to vote no.
The U.S. Department of Defense defines psychological warfare as:
"The planned use of propaganda and other psychological actions having the primary
purpose of influencing the opinions, emotions, attitudes, and behavior of hostile
foreign groups ( the workers) in such a way as to support the achievement of national
objectives” (Management).
Union Busters write leaflets and send “love letters opposing unionization these carefully written
letters are signed by your employer, director or supervisors. Don’t Be Fooled.
One of the biggest and greatest weapons these Union Busters have at their disposal is that they
can FORCE you to attend their mandatory Union Busting Meetings to hear their propaganda.
For more on this subject see our UNION BUSTING TACTICS MAGAZINE on our SPSOA website.
Question:
What is the organizing process?
Answer: Once you and your fellow Security Police officers or Security Officers decide to unionize the first
step is getting the organizing process started is to have the majority of your fellow officers working
at your facility sign the enclosed SPSOA Membership cards.
In an effort to gain recognition from your employer we ask that you get at least 51% of your
co-officers to sign the cards. This is required by law should someone challenge our majority status
before the NLRB.
Once you able to gain the support of at least 51% of your co-officers in forming a union we ask that
you forward the SPSOA membership cards to the SPSOA Organizing Department 600 Third
Avenue, 2nd FL New York, NY 10016. Should you have any questions please contact us at:
1-800-516-5651.
Name_______________________________________________Job Tittle___________________________
Address__________________________________________________Home Phone___________________
City_______________________________________State____________Zip_____________Shift________
Email______________________________________________Cell Phone___________________________
Employer__________________________________Work Location_________________________________
I hereby authorize my signature below to be used as a showing of interest for the purposes of self-organization in the
exercise of my rights under Sec. 7. [§ 157.] of the National Labor Relations Act as well as authorizing the Security
Police & Security Officers of America SPSOA affiliated with the Security Police Benevolent Association (SPBA) to
represent me for the purposes of collective bargaining to improve wages benefits and working conditions.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Applicants Signature Date Signed
SPSOA | Authorization for check-off of dues Affiliated with the Security Police Benevolent Association (SPBA)
I hereby assign to the Security Police & Security Officers of America (SPSOA), Affiliated with the Security Police Benevolent Association (SPBA) hereinafter referred to as
the “Union,” from any wages earned or to be earned by me as your employee (in my present or in any future employment by you) such sums as the National Secretary-
Treasurer may certify as due and owing from me as dues, including an initiation or reinstatement fee and monthly dues in such sum as may be established from time to
time in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws. I authorize and direct you to deduct such amounts from my pay irrespective of my membership in the Union, and to
remit same to the Union at such time and in such manner as may be agreed upon between you and the Union at any time while the authorization is in effect.*
This assignment, authorization and direction shall be irrevocable for the period of one (1) year from the date of delivery hereof to you, or until the termination of the
collective bargaining agreement between the Employer and the Union which is in force at the time of delivery of this authorization, whichever occurs sooner, and I agree
and direct that this assignment, authorization and direction shall be automatically renewed, and shall be irrevocable for successive periods of one (1) year each or for the
period of such succeeding applicable collective bargaining agreement between the Employer and the Union, whichever shall be shorter, unless written notice is given by
me to the Employer and the Union, not more than twenty (20) days and not less than ten (10) days prior to the expiration of each period of one (1) year, or of each
applicable collective bargaining agreement between the Employer and the Union, whichever occurs sooner This authorization is made pursuant to the provisions of
Section 302(c) of the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947 and otherwise. While contributions or gifts to the Union are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for
Federal income tax purposes they may be tax deductible under other provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
EMPLOYER:____________________________________________________________________________________________
WORK SITE: ______________________________________________________SPSOA LOCAL UNION NO.________________
Security Police & Security Officers of America SPSOA
Affiliated with the Security Police Benevolent Association (SPBA)
________________________________________________________________________
Signature Date
________________________________________________________________________
Print Name
________________________________________________________________________
Address
________________________________________________________________________
City State Zip
Date of hire: _____________
Rate of pay $ ____________
Employee ID # _____________
When Completed Send to SPSOA 600 Third Avenue, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10016 - 1-800-516-5651