Thousands of security workers for big tech companies are on strike in California

Security workers for major tech companies in California are currently on strike, representing a significant moment in labor relations. The SEIU-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW) has authorized a strike, with 14,000 members representing Allied Universal, Securitas, and other security contractors. The walkout began in San Francisco and Los Angeles, demanding wage increases and better benefits.

The union argues that tech companies, which rely heavily on their security services, are not meeting the workers' needs. Despite the tech giants' substantial profits, the union claims that the proposed wage increase from Allied Universal is a mere $0.25 an hour in 2027, with no raises for the following three years. This proposal has been described as "shameful, wrong, and deeply, deeply disrespectful" by SEIU-USWW president David Huerta.

While security contractors have made progress in negotiations, the union remains unsatisfied. The proposed wage of $30 per hour by the striking workers is a stark contrast to the current median pay of $20 an hour in California. The gap between the tech industry's income and the security workers' earnings is particularly glaring in the Bay Area, where over two-thirds of security workers are classified as low-wage.

The union's stance has been supported by the growing concerns over security in the AI industry. Recent incidents of security threats have highlighted the critical role of these workers, leading to public trust issues. As the cost of living in cities like San Francisco continues to rise, the strike may become a necessary step for security workers to secure better wages, benefits, and job security.