Security officers for Baltimore city buildings to go on strike for second time since April
Security officers for Baltimore city buildings in the city's Harbor East community are going on strike on Friday to protest alleged discrimination and unfair labor practices.
A picket line is to be formed at the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, at 650 S. Exeter St. in downtown Baltimore.
The security officers are striking against their employer, Abacus Corporation. The non-union city and commercial contracted officers, who have been trying to unionize, held another strike in April.
"Baltimore City Councilwoman Odette Ramos will speak to Abacus officers who work a dangerous job without health care and have been unlawfully forbidden from speaking to the press about their working conditions, allege a recently filed unfair labor practice charge," said a statement from organizers of Friday's strike.
Leaders of SEUI 32 BJ, the largest property service worker union in the country, said charges filed in 2025 and 2026 on behalf of workers include allegations of discrimination, coercion and firings for participation in union activities. The union has 1,700 members in Baltimore, and a total of 190,000 members across 12 states.
Alleged lack of support for officers
One example from the SEUI 32 BJ said that with an increase in Baltimore of teen takeovers, altercations and disorderly conduct, Abacus officer Justin alleged he didn't receive the support he needed after a violent confrontation at 901 S. Bond Street on June 8, 2026. "Before calling the police, perpetrators were banging on the windows, threw water bottles at him and even pushed their way into the building."
The strike organizers said the walkout is intended to emphasize the message that the workers just want to feel safe and be able to effectively perform their jobs. The SEUI 32 BJ says it has filed seven complaints alleging unfair labor practices against Abacus with the National Labor Relations Board.
In the past, Abacus Corporation has said their work with security officers is a long-term commitment to the community, and they attempt to take care of their officers as they have in the past.
In a statement issued to CBS Baltimore in April, the company said: "Although the union's tactics and claims are disappointing and factually wrong, Abacus will not allow the union to disrupt the service and safety provided to Baltimore City. Abacus has served Baltimore for over 80 years because we prioritize our people and this city, not because a union mandated it. The claims made by SEIU are factually incorrect and meant to mislead the public. Nearly all our security team members are Baltimore City residents. This is not a contractor relationship; it is a long-term commitment to the community. Abacus takes care of these dedicated employees and plans to continue doing so."
