Baltimore Security Guards Rally for Better Wages and Benefits

Contractor employees demand union representation and improved working conditions

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:38pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a security guard uniform, a first aid kit, and a stack of papers representing employee benefits information, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic seamless background. The objects use sharp, dramatic studio lighting and deep shadows to represent the abstract concepts of worker rights, workplace safety, and corporate responsibility.A security uniform, first aid kit, and employee benefits paperwork symbolize the ongoing struggle for better working conditions and benefits among contract workers.Baltimore Today

Contractor security employees who work at Baltimore City properties are rallying over wages, benefits and working conditions. The employees, who work for Abacus Security, are calling for union representation to secure better health care, higher pay and improved job conditions. Abacus says it already offers compensation and benefits above baseline requirements, including wages up to $25 per hour, but workers dispute that characterization and say they will continue striking.

Why it matters

This protest highlights the ongoing challenges facing contract workers, especially in the security industry, as they seek better pay, benefits and working conditions. The dispute also touches on the broader debate around the role of unions and worker representation in the private sector.

The details

A crowd of current and former Abacus Security employees gathered at a rally in front of Baltimore City Hall on Thursday to demand higher wages, improved benefits and better working conditions. The workers, who are contracted to provide security services at various city facilities, say they need union representation to address their concerns. "I'm trying to get health care. I'm trying to get my knees fixed. I haven't had health care since Obamacare, and I think it's unfair," said employee Laura Dixon. Another worker, Natasha Bailey, added: "We need more benefits, and we need to get paid more for our performance."

  • The rally took place on Thursday, April 9, 2026 in front of Baltimore City Hall.

The players

Abacus Security

A company that contracts with Baltimore City to provide security guards for city facilities.

Laura Dixon

A current Abacus Security employee who participated in the rally.

Natasha Bailey

A current Abacus Security employee who participated in the rally.

Michael Brady

The Chief Administrative Officer for Abacus Security.

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What they’re saying

“I'm trying to get health care. I'm trying to get my knees fixed. I haven't had health care since Obamacare, and I think it's unfair.”

— Laura Dixon, Abacus Security Employee

“We need more benefits, and we need to get paid more for our performance.”

— Natasha Bailey, Abacus Security Employee

“We do offer full-time employees health insurance, vacation, dental, vision, life insurance. They can elect into any or all of those. The pay rate for full-time employees is up to $25 an hour.”

— Michael Brady, Chief Administrative Officer, Abacus Security

“There is a vocal minority. The greater portion of our employees have expressed to us that they don't need a third party to come between us and them. They don't need to have another organization where they're paying dues and fees.”

— Michael Brady, Chief Administrative Officer, Abacus Security

“I'm planning to strike as long as it needs to be.”

— Natasha Bailey, Abacus Security Employee

What’s next

Abacus officials say they will not oppose unionization efforts if a majority of workers support it, but the company maintains that most employees do not want a third-party organization representing them. The workers have vowed to continue striking until their demands for better wages, benefits and working conditions are met.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges facing contract workers, especially in the security industry, as they seek better pay, benefits and working conditions. The rally also touches on the broader debate around the role of unions and worker representation in the private sector.