Security officers bargaining for fair pay, better benefits

United across multiple sectors, workers are demanding a share in the prosperity they help create in Seattle

SEATTLE, WA (July 11, 2025) — In one of the most expensive cities in the nation, security officers organized with SEIU Local 6 have launched a contract campaign to secure quality pay and benefits for their work keeping Seattle safe. Nearly 5,000 officers are covered under the current collective bargaining agreement that expires in August.

Those officers — from diverse sectors including tech, real estate, warehouse, and transit — joined forces at a rally last month, standing together to highlight both their essential role in protecting Seattle’s neighborhoods and transit, and the urgent need for better pay.

Current wages for security officers across sectors lags far behind the area median income, reports the union, meaning workers aren’t paid nearly enough to afford to live in the city where they work. Meanwhile, workers are faced with life and death situations on the job — situations they faced every day during the height of the COVID pandemic, and still engage with regularly on the job.

“While on patrol, I found a man face down and unconscious at Westlake Station. His pulse was weak, and his face was blue around the mouth. I called it in, began CPR and didn’t stop until emergency services arrived on the scene,” said Reginald Anderson, a transit security officer in a statement. “Security officers do so much more than protect property. We help connect vulnerable people to resources. We help keep the community safe.”

SEIU6 reports this experience is all too common, with many officer sharing their stories of administering Narcan, CPR, and first aid.

With the FIFA World Cup coming to Seattle in 2026, the union believes that officers’ role in ensuring public safety is more vital than ever — and that the workers deserve to share in the prosperity their labor helps create for the city.

As they kick off their contract campaign, one thing is clear: officers are united and unwilling to budge on a reasonable set of demands for fair wages and respect on the job that would meaningfully recognize their role protecting Seattle communities.