Baltimore security officers strike against Abacus Corporation over alleged unfair labor practices

Security officers who work in Baltimore-owned buildings in the city's Harbor East community went on strike against their employer, Abacus Corporation, on Thursday, alleging unfair labor practices. 

The non-union city and commercial contracted officers, who have been trying to unionize, walked off the job for a one-day 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. 

In a statement shared with WJZ, a spokesperson for Abacus Corporation said the union's claims are "factually incorrect and meant to mislead the public." 

"The charges filed by SEIU are allegations, not findings of fact. Abacus categorically denies any unlawful conduct, has cooperated fully with all regulatory processes, and is confident in the lawfulness of its employment practices," the company said in a statement. 

According to union leaders, officers are on strike from several city and commercial sites, including the Able Wollman Building, police stations, housing developments and the water treatment facility. 

"This is not a dispute against the City of Baltimore. This is a dispute against the city contractor, Abacus, and others who've broken the law by violating workers' rights to form a union and have a voice on the job," said Jaime Contreras, Executive Vice President of SEUI 32BJ.

On Thursday, Baltimore City Council members Odette Ramos and Jermaine Jones joined officers for a rally. The leaders argued that what workers are asking for is about dignity. 

"People don't choose to go on strike. They depend on their wages," said Jones. "For them to take it to this extent, there must be a large amount of frustration."

Neighbors who live and frequent the Harbor East community said they are used to security in the area, especially with more crime hot spots popping up recently.

Visitors to the area said they feel safe walking around, seeing security. 

Abacus Corporation said their work with security officers is a long-term commitment to the community, and they intend to take care of their officers as they have in the past. 

See the full statement from Abacus Corporation below: 

"Abacus Corporation today responds to a strike notice issued by SEIU, which contains many inaccuracies and inflammatory mischaracterizations. 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. 

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

 Compensation and Benefits Abacus provides full-time security officers assigned to the City with a wage of $25.00 per hour, more than 60% above Baltimore's Living Wage, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. These wages and benefits were offered voluntarily, without union negotiation or pressure. Abacus did this because it is the right thing to do for the men and women who work hard and serve this city alongside us. For more context, when Baltimore City passed the Security Officers Compensation Bill to set minimum wages and benefits for the city's 4,500 security workers, Abacus was already ahead of the game. Before the law took effect, Abacus and the City increased security officers' pay at City facilities in line with what the law would require (even before the law existed). The new pay standards take effect on January 1, 2027, and Abacus is working with its clients to ensure compliance. Abacus supports the law and works with the City on this issue, benefiting both its workers and the city. Abacus remains proactive on this issue. The union supported strikes, and the mischaracterization of Abacus overlooks and hinders the positive progress being made. 

Unfair Labor Practice Allegations

 The charges filed by SEIU are allegations, not findings of fact. Abacus categorically denies any unlawful conduct, has cooperated fully with all regulatory processes, and is confident in the lawfulness of its employment practices. Characterizing pending charges as established violations is irresponsible and misleading. 

Personnel Matters 

Abacus respects employee privacy and does not disclose personal decision details. We strongly reject any claims that employment actions are influenced by union activity. All decisions are made in accordance with company policies and applicable laws. 

Workplace Infrastructure

 Abacus does not own or control the physical infrastructure at City-owned job sites. Issues such as fencing, security gates, cameras, and equipment are the responsibility of site owners. We communicate concerns as they arise to the appropriate City authorities on behalf of our officers. 

Our Long-Term Commitment Remains Unchanged

 Abacus will continue to deliver the highest standard of security service to Baltimore City, protect the employees who depend on us, and respond to any disruption swiftly and professionally. Our doors remain open to direct, good-faith dialogue with our employees — as they always have been. "