SPSOA New York City Office 600 Third Avenue, 2nd floor, Manhattan, New York, 10016

SPSOA Long Island Office 626 RexCorp Plaza, 6th Floor, Uniondale, New York, 11556

Fax & Tel: (800) 516-5651 Website:www.SPSOA.ORG

Prepared especially for Security Police & Security Officers interested in

Organizing a Union with SPSOA

About SPSOA…………………………………………………………………………….

How Does the Union Function ................................................................................

Is the Union a Third Party? .....................................................................................

Who’s the Union the SPSOA or The Membership?.................................................

Can I be legally fired for forming a Union?...............................................................

What will be in our first contract? ............................................................................

Do we pay Union dues right away?.........................................................................

What are the Monthly Union Dues Used For?........................................................

Does the SPSOA belong to the AFL-CIO?..............................................................

Why Do I Need a Union to Protect Myself?.............................................................

What are the Benefits of Joining a Union like SPSOA? ……………………………..

Why has management hired a Union Buster to Stop us from forming a Union?.....

What Do Union Busters Do and What Should I Expect?.........................................

What is the Organizing Process?.............................................................................

SPSOA Membership Card……………………………………………………………….

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SECURITY POLICE & SECURITY OFFICERS OF AMERICA - SPSOA

Since the tragedy of September 11 and the announcement of President George W. Bush on December 22,

2001, to boost spending on domestic U.S. homeland security by at least $15 Billion in his next budget, private

security companies must take a much more serious look at the need for upgrading this industry.

Security Officers nationwide must be organized, better trained and committed to a higher standard of

providing private security to our nation's corporate offices, Federal and private properties and assets and the

general public. The industry has exploded in recent years for private security. There is an estimated one to

two million law enforcement professionals in some 13,000 private security companies today, and some say

that there are twice as many private security officers and special police officers protecting federal, state and

county buildings as police officers. The number of private security officers and security police officers in the

industry has grown nearly 20% in the last ten years, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it will

increase another 21-35% by 2019 as companies beef up security to allay fears of crime, vandalism, and

terrorism.

With homeland security at high alert the of the Security Police & Security Officers of America (SPSOA) has

officially notified the United States Department of labor of our existence as an association directly affiliated

with the Security Police Benevolent Association (SPBA) who's affiliations with several long established unions

through service agreements, joint organizing efforts and long term relationships, puts SPSOA in a better

position to assist in helping security professionals in obtaining national collective bargaining rights with their

employer and to act as a strong voice in Washington D.C. in establishing national training standards

nationwide.

Our mission is to unite the millions of security professionals nationwide in having a strong voice in

New York, Washington D.C. & nationwide through organizing & education.

To assist security police & security officers nationwide and in the New York city metropolitan area in forming a

security union to protect their rights and job security.

To assist security police & security officers in obtaining affordable benefits for them and their families through

collective bargaining and other means.

To bring awareness to the fact that security police & security officers are the FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE in a

terrorist attack, which means we stand for better training, higher wages, better benefits and less turnover to

ensure our safety and the safety of the United States of America.

Questions:

How does the Union function?

Who runs the Union?

Are leaders elected or appointed?

Answers: Your union will be run by and for the employers. It will be a democratic organization

Once you decide to organize with the SPSOA you will be assigned to one of five SPSOA local

unions depending on the jurisdiction you work in New York and/or a an SPSOA local outside of the

their jurisdiction. Decisions however, will be decided and voted on by your union membership.

Officers of the Local and representatives from every shift will be elected by members throughout the

entire facility. Each shift will elect representatives (shop stewards to assist with the day-to-day

issues that may arise.

Most unions meet regularly with management, and joint labor-management

committees, to handle problems and discuss operations issues, ect. The basic

idea is that the Union creates an equal relation between employees and

management.

Question:

Is the Union a third party?

Answer: The Union is not a third party. It is an organization run by and for the employees, with

assistance from the SPSOA National Union.

The SPSOA leadership and their professionals have a strong recorded of negotiating outstanding

wages, benefits and working conditions. The SPSOA will provide experienced negotiators, and legal

assistance for your elected negotiating committee. Your SPSOA leadership team has over 35 years

experience in negotiating Union contracts and we specialize in negotiating Service Contract Act

contracts which pertain to Security Police Officers and private Security Officers employed by such

companies as Wackenhut, G4S, WSI, Paragon Systems, SecTek, Akal, Deco Security, Trinity

Protective Service, Security Consultant Group and Securitas just to name a few.

As part of our continuing education program to our members the SPSOA has designed an online

shop steward training program which is on our website at www.SPSOA.org. This very detailed Shop

Steward membership program has everything a shop steward needs to know from what is a

grievance, writing a grievance, processing a grievance, do’s and don'ts and much much more.

Question:

Who’s The Union

the SPSOA or The Membership?

Answer:

The Membership YOU &

Your Co-Officers! A Union is only as strong as its members. A Union is what employees make of it. Its effectiveness is

based on competent representation of employees to run effectively. How strong is your local going

to be if nobody stands up for rights? Not Very strong. That is why local SPSOA members need to

stand up for themselves by attending Union meetings, becoming Shop Stewards, educating

themselves of their rights, participating on committees ect.

Such committees include:

Negotiating Committees to represent the group during the bargaining process.

Communication Committees to publish a regular newsletter, bulletin boards, community

announcements, ect

Community Service Committees to help co-sponsor community events, set up volunteer

networks to help needy citizens and raise money for charities.

Health and Safety Committees to monitor conditions at your facility and work situations to any

health or safety problems you or your co-officers may face.

Organizing is the Life Blood of any Union—Without organizing new members the

organization will not grow and employers will take advantage of this by paying substandard

wages and benefits if the majority of officers in a particular area or industry are not Unionized.

Question:

Can I Legally be Fired for Forming or participating

in organizing a Union at my workplace?

Answer:

NO

Sec. 7. § 157. of the National Labor Relations Act Clearly States: Employees shall have the right to

self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through

representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of

collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, and shall also have the right to refrain from

any or all such activities except to the extent that such right may be affected by an agreement

requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment as authorized in section

8(a)(3) section 158(a)(3) of this title.

National Labor Relations Act Clearly States:

Section 8(a)(3)—Discrimination Against Employees. Section 8(a)(3) makes it an unfair labor

practice for an employer to discriminate against employees “in regard to hire or tenure of

employment or any term or condition of employment” for the purpose of encouraging or

discouraging membership in a labor organization. In general, the Act makes it illegal for an employer

to discriminate in employment because of an employee’s union or other group, activity within the

protection of the Act. A banding together of employees, even in the absence of a formal

organization, may constitute a labor organization for purposes of Section 8(a)(3). Discrimination

within the meaning of the Act would include such action as refusing to hire, discharging, demoting,

assigning to a less desirable shift or job, or withholding benefits.

Question:

What will be in our first Union Contract ?

Answer:

When your Union committee sits down to bargain a contract with management, SPSOA professional

negotiators and/ or our attorney start from whatever conditions exist at that time at your work

location then we go forward from there. We stride to provide positive changes to your current

conditions. This means higher wages, better benefits, improved working conditions, job security,

seniority rights, a voice on the job, RESPECT and all other benefits you obtain from having a Union.

Before negotiations begin, the committee will develop proposals in consultation with all employees.

Everyone’s input will be allowed through meetings and our SPSOA Wage and Benefit surveys found

on our SPSOA website.

The negotiating committee will be trained and assisted by one of our professional SPSOA

negotiators, also on hand is our SPSOA General Counsel to assist in negotiations if needed.

The law states management must bargain in good faith over wages, benefits, working conditions

and job security, which are mandatory subjects of bargaining. Areas that need improvement

become the focus of negotiations with your employer. The items that employees are satisfied with

are secured in a Union contract.

After the contract is negotiated it cannot take effect unless it is

voted on and accepted (ratified) by a majority of members who

attend the ratification meeting and/or voting by mail ballot.

Question:

Do We Pay Union Dues Right Away?

Are their any Initiation Fees?

Answer:

As soon as we are legally authorized to represent you and your

fellow officers, our union has a legal obligation to represent you. So in an effort to better service & protect your rights we will begin the process once we become your

legal representative however this is all voluntary- not mandatory until a contract is negotiated.

There is also NO Initiation fees this has been waived.

Question:

How much are the membership dues, which our members call “Job Security”

Answer: Our membership dues start at just $25 per month / $6.25 cents per week.

The $25 dues rate is one of the lowest in the industry compared to

other security unions which charge double that amount and higher.

Question:

What are the Monthly Union Dues

Used For?

Answer: As in any nonprofit organization, dues are used to pay the operating expenses of the Union.

These expenses include office space, telephones, printing, travel expenses, websites, stationary,

mailings, membership magazines, meeting rooms, hotel expenses, professional fees including

attorney fees, accountant fees, consulting fees, arbitrations, legal costs, training programs,

organizing expenses, representative salaries ect.

Like any business the Union needs operating money to run. Employers get their revenue from

selling a product or service and Unions get their revenue by its members contributing each month a

small fraction of the costs by way of union dues.

Question:

What are the typical arbitration costs to the union?

Answer:

$15,000 when all is said and done.

This includes arbitration fees, attorney fees, briefs, travel costs, preparation of witnesses ect.

Unlike other security Unions in the Industry the SPSOA picks up 100% of the costs vs. splitting it in

half with the Local Union.

Question: What Security Industries does the SPSOA Seek to Represent?

Answer: The SPSOA seeks to represents every and all industries when it comes to security. This includes:

GSA Federal Facilities, Homeland Security, State and County Buildings, DHS/ FPS, Court Houses

Nuclear Facilities, Correctional Facilities, Detention Centers, Prisoner Transportation, Armored Car

Security, Campus Police , Military Facilities, Industrial Security, Hospital Security, Airport Security

Building Service Security, Port Authority Security, Seaport Security, Construction Site Security,

Shopping Mall Security, Corporate Banking Facilities, Parks Department Security, School Security

Sport Arena & Event Security, Night Club Security, Casino Security just to name a few.

Question:

Why Do I Need a Union to Protect Myself?

Answer: In a perfect world, your employer would provide you with decent

wages, good benefits, guaranteed job security, a safe work

environment, proper equipment ect.

Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world and many employers

take advantage of their workers.

Under the law if you are not protected under a employment agreement (Union Contract) you are an

at-will employee. This applies to all 50 states. What does this mean to you? This means without a

written Union contract you are an at-will employee and your employer can FIRE YOU for any reason

at all without just cause. JUST BECAUSE THEY CAN!

With a Union an employer must have JUST CAUSE to FIRE YOU and they must prove their

case before an arbitrator who will decide the merits of the case. This is outlined under the

Grievance & Arbitration procedures in your written UNION CONTRACT.

Other reasons why workers unionize:

When the company policies are not clear and understandable

When Supervisors are inconsistent with regard to nondiscriminatory work practices

When supervisors lack fair, consistent and tactful disciplinary procedures.

When supervisors and owners mistreat workers

The unwillingness of the company to address workplace problems & workers concerns

Low wages, poor or no benefits, no retirement plans, little or no sick days, holidays, vacation days.

.No Voice on the Job—A Lack of RESPECT!

Question:

What are the Benefits of Joining

a Union like SPSOA?

Answer: If you have no union representation you remain an at-will employee with no voice or rights.

However by organizing with SPSOA you now have a team of knowledgeable and experienced

representatives, consultants & attorneys specializing in organizing, negotiating Service Contract

Act contracts, health benefits, strong language protecting your rights, grievance handling, arbitration &

litigation, contract enforcement, wrongful termination, racial discrimination, hostile work environment,

age discrimination, disability discrimination, pregnancy discrimination and retaliation matter.

*Prominent Labor Law Attorneys

*Benefits Coordinators

*Experienced Union Representatives

*Experienced Consulting Professionals that know the Security Industry

*Over 35 years Experience in Negotiating & Enforcing Union Contracts

*We specialize in negotiating Service Contract Act Contracts & Private Contracts

Other Union benefits includes many advantages under the Service Contract Act which allows

Special Police officers to receive wages and benefits over and above the wage determination and

other protections afforded under the law. For more information visit our Service Contract Act section

on our website.

Question : What are the

Benefits of Joining a Union?

Unionized workers earn 28 more than

nonunion workers.

Unionized woman earn 31% more

than nonunion workers.

Unionized African Americans earn

37% more than nonunion African

American workers.

According to most recent studies, the

voice that union members have on

the job: Sharing in decision making

promotions and work production

standards increase productivity, have

better training standards, lower

turnover and longer tenure.

Question:

Why has management hired a Union Buster

to Stop us from forming a Union?

Answer:

Unfortunately management has a right under the law to get involved

with your decision to Unionize with the SPSOA. We believe they also know the SPSOA is a good

Union with a record of helping Security Police officers and Security Officers improve their lives. The

fact is that management does not want to share their power with you. Presently, management holds

all the cards and they have 100% control to do what ever they want whenever they want so why

should they give up any control to you?

One of the most predictable things they do is hire outside consultants called Union Busters. These

are usually high priced lawyers who have chosen not to practice law the hard way, but instead are

specialists in devising ways to intimidate and threaten with fear tactics their employees who are

looking to unionize.

These Union Busting consultants are like ambulance chasers. They look for union campaigns,

come in and convince employers they can defeat employees and manipulate laws that were passed

to protect them.

The Formula: x + x = FEAR & INTIMIDATION These consultants are hired by the employer to represent their interests. These consultants are

hired hit man who’s fees range from $1,500 to $3,000 dollars a day. So a typical union busting

campaign can run anywhere from a $100,000 thousand dollars and up in trying to defeat you.

This money would be better spent on giving you and your fellow officers the money & RESPECT

you all Deserve.

Question:

What Do Union Busters Do and What Should I

Expect From a Union Buster?

Answer: Unions Busters do two things: Union Busting Consultants train

supervisors who are the first line of defense in managements

plan of attack. These supervisors are used to carry the

anti-union message, so expect a lot of “friendly chats” with

your supervisor.

The other thing Union Busting Consultants do is to create an

atmosphere of FEAR & INTIMIDATION using Psychological

warfare techniques to get you to vote no.

The U.S. Department of Defense defines psychological warfare as:

"The planned use of propaganda and other psychological actions having the primary

purpose of influencing the opinions, emotions, attitudes, and behavior of hostile

foreign groups ( the workers) in such a way as to support the achievement of national

objectives” (Management).

Union Busters write leaflets and send “love letters opposing unionization these carefully written

letters are signed by your employer, director or supervisors. Don’t Be Fooled.

One of the biggest and greatest weapons these Union Busters have at their disposal is that they

can FORCE you to attend their mandatory Union Busting Meetings to hear their propaganda.

For more on this subject see our UNION BUSTING TACTICS MAGAZINE on our SPSOA website.

Question:

What is the organizing process?

Answer: Once you and your fellow Security Police officers or Security Officers decide to unionize the first

step is getting the organizing process started is to have the majority of your fellow officers working

at your facility sign the enclosed SPSOA Membership cards.

In an effort to gain recognition from your employer we ask that you get at least 51% of your

co-officers to sign the cards. This is required by law should someone challenge our majority status

before the NLRB.

Once you able to gain the support of at least 51% of your co-officers in forming a union we ask that

you forward the SPSOA membership cards to the SPSOA Organizing Department 600 Third

Avenue, 2nd FL New York, NY 10016. Should you have any questions please contact us at:

1-800-516-5651.

Name_______________________________________________Job Tittle___________________________

Address__________________________________________________Home Phone___________________

City_______________________________________State____________Zip_____________Shift________

Email______________________________________________Cell Phone___________________________

Employer__________________________________Work Location_________________________________

I hereby authorize my signature below to be used as a showing of interest for the purposes of self-organization in the

exercise of my rights under Sec. 7. [§ 157.] of the National Labor Relations Act as well as authorizing the Security

Police & Security Officers of America SPSOA affiliated with the Security Police Benevolent Association (SPBA) to

represent me for the purposes of collective bargaining to improve wages benefits and working conditions.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Applicants Signature Date Signed

SPSOA | Authorization for check-off of dues Affiliated with the Security Police Benevolent Association (SPBA)

I hereby assign to the Security Police & Security Officers of America (SPSOA), Affiliated with the Security Police Benevolent Association (SPBA) hereinafter referred to as

the “Union,” from any wages earned or to be earned by me as your employee (in my present or in any future employment by you) such sums as the National Secretary-

Treasurer may certify as due and owing from me as dues, including an initiation or reinstatement fee and monthly dues in such sum as may be established from time to

time in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws. I authorize and direct you to deduct such amounts from my pay irrespective of my membership in the Union, and to

remit same to the Union at such time and in such manner as may be agreed upon between you and the Union at any time while the authorization is in effect.*

This assignment, authorization and direction shall be irrevocable for the period of one (1) year from the date of delivery hereof to you, or until the termination of the

collective bargaining agreement between the Employer and the Union which is in force at the time of delivery of this authorization, whichever occurs sooner, and I agree

and direct that this assignment, authorization and direction shall be automatically renewed, and shall be irrevocable for successive periods of one (1) year each or for the

period of such succeeding applicable collective bargaining agreement between the Employer and the Union, whichever shall be shorter, unless written notice is given by

me to the Employer and the Union, not more than twenty (20) days and not less than ten (10) days prior to the expiration of each period of one (1) year, or of each

applicable collective bargaining agreement between the Employer and the Union, whichever occurs sooner This authorization is made pursuant to the provisions of

Section 302(c) of the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947 and otherwise. While contributions or gifts to the Union are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for

Federal income tax purposes they may be tax deductible under other provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

EMPLOYER:____________________________________________________________________________________________

WORK SITE: ______________________________________________________SPSOA LOCAL UNION NO.________________

Security Police & Security Officers of America SPSOA

Affiliated with the Security Police Benevolent Association (SPBA)

________________________________________________________________________

Signature Date

________________________________________________________________________

Print Name

________________________________________________________________________

Address

________________________________________________________________________

City State Zip

Date of hire: _____________

Rate of pay $ ____________

Employee ID # _____________

When Completed Send to SPSOA 600 Third Avenue, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10016 - 1-800-516-5651