Security officers at Brown University picket for better pay, benefits

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) –Members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) gathered Wednesday on the Brown University campus, calling for better pay and benefits for contracted campus security officers.

Protesters are asking Brown’s College of Public Health to request that USENTRA security, the employer of contracted officers, for better pay and benefits for their teams.

Protesters told ABC 6 News that they’ve been fighting for this over the past few years and seeing other unions making changes has been inspiring.

“I think what we see, especially with essential workers, people who year after year and through the pandemic have been doing this work,” the Northeast District Union Leader, Dan Nicolai.

“Not working from home but working and protecting buildings and serving others which is what you see with some of these other unions — People are saying they deserve a voice at work. They deserve better conditions, so, we’re very encouraged,” Nicolai continued.

Wednesday’s protest included a number of union members, Brown University students and former security officers, as well as local politicians like CD1 Democratic nominee, Gabe Amo.