Vigil focuses on justice for security officers (Minnesota)

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_3462

MINNEAPOLIS - A faith vigil in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at the Holiday Inn Metrodome brought attention to the plight of security officers at Hannon Security Services, who face racial discrimination and a lack of access to affordable health care.

The vigil, held Monday, coincided with negotiations between Service Employees International Union Local 26 and Twin Cities security firms.

"As we celebrate Dr. King today," said Harrison Bullard, a security officer and member of Local 26, "I am reminded of his warning that 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' Hannon's actions threaten the racial and economic justice we all stand for today."

Hannon has repeatedly refused to join other security firms in the Twin Cities in improving industry standards. Security officers at Hannon are without access to affordable health insurance and minority employees report racial discrimination in hiring, pay, and promotion practices.

"We are here today because the struggle for economic security, health care, and racial justice is our struggle," said the Rev. Nancy Anderson, founder of the Worker Interfaith Network and pastor of Community United Church of Christ is St. Paul Park. "We are here today to say that we face the same challenges security officers in our community face, and so we join in the struggle to make our community better—together."


Security officers and supporters held a vigil for a fair contract.
Photo by Rafael Morataya

The vigil was followed by a procession at Normandale Lake Office Park, where Hannon has a security contract. Over 100 security officers, faith leaders and community allies passed silently through the office park's buildings wearing sashes reading, "Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: Stand Against Racial Discrimination."

FULL story at link.