Baltimore Security Guards Strike for Union Representation

Workers demand better pay, benefits, and safety protections after voting to authorize a strike nearly a year ago.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:00pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life featuring a security guard's utility belt, handcuffs, and a crumpled pay stub, arranged to conceptually represent the poor compensation and lack of benefits experienced by many in the profession.The stark still-life arrangement of a security guard's tools and pay stub symbolizes the challenging working conditions many in the profession face.Baltimore Today

After nearly a year of voting to authorize a strike, non-union contract security officers at city and commercial properties in Baltimore are preparing to walk off the job. The workers, who are underpaid, lack health insurance, and have faced dangerous situations like being held at gunpoint on the job, are demanding union representation to address their poor working conditions.

Why it matters

This strike highlights the challenging working conditions and lack of labor protections for many low-wage security guards, who play a vital role in protecting public and private properties but often lack basic employment benefits and safeguards. The outcome of this labor dispute could set an important precedent for security workers seeking to unionize in other cities.

The details

The security officers, who work at various city-owned buildings and commercial properties across Baltimore, have been negotiating with their employers for months to address issues like low pay, lack of health insurance, and safety concerns. Despite voting to authorize a strike nearly a year ago, the workers have continued trying to reach an agreement. However, with no resolution in sight, they are now preparing to walk off the job to demand union representation and improved working conditions.

  • The security officers voted to authorize a strike nearly a year ago, in April 2025.
  • The workers are preparing to strike in the coming days.

The players

Baltimore Contract Security Officers

Non-union security guards employed at various city-owned buildings and commercial properties across Baltimore.

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What they’re saying

“We're tired of being underpaid, uninsured, and put in dangerous situations without the proper support. A union is the only way we can get the protections and benefits we deserve.”

— Jamal Williams, Security Guard

What’s next

If the security officers proceed with the strike, it could lead to disruptions in security coverage at many public and private properties across Baltimore. The city and employers will likely face pressure to negotiate in good faith and reach an agreement with the workers.

The takeaway

This labor dispute underscores the challenges facing many low-wage workers, particularly in the security industry, who lack basic employment protections and benefits. The outcome of this strike could have significant implications for the ability of security guards to unionize and improve their working conditions in Baltimore and beyond.