Baltimore Security Guards Rally for Better Wages, Benefits

Contractor employees demand union representation, improved health care and pay

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:38am

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A minimalist studio photograph featuring a polished metal security badge, a worker's glove, and a set of keys arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic grey background, conceptually representing the challenges facing low-wage contract employees.A somber still life captures the struggle for fair wages and benefits among Baltimore's contract security workers.Baltimore Today

Contractor security guards who work at Baltimore City properties held a rally in front of City Hall, calling for higher wages, better benefits, and union representation. The employees, who work for the security firm Abacus, say they need improved health care, higher pay, and better working conditions. Abacus responded that it already offers competitive compensation and benefits, and said it would not oppose unionization efforts if a majority of workers supported it.

Why it matters

The rally highlights the ongoing challenges facing low-wage contract workers, even as the economy rebounds from the pandemic. The security guards' demands for better pay, benefits, and union representation reflect broader labor movements seeking to improve conditions for essential workers.

The details

The rally on Thursday included current and former Abacus employees, who are contracted to provide security at various Baltimore City facilities. The workers called for union representation to help them secure improved health care, higher pay, and better job conditions. Abacus' Chief Administrative Officer Michael Brady said the company already offers compensation and benefits above baseline requirements, with wages up to $25 per hour and options for health insurance, vacation, dental, vision, and life insurance. However, workers disputed that characterization, signaling their intent to continue striking until their demands are met.

  • The rally took place on Thursday, April 10, 2026 in front of Baltimore City Hall.

The players

Abacus

A company contracted to provide security guards for Baltimore City facilities.

Michael Brady

The Chief Administrative Officer of Abacus.

Laura Dixon

A security guard employee who participated in the rally, calling for improved health care and working conditions.

Natasha Bailey

A security guard employee who participated in the rally, calling for better benefits and higher pay.

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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, Security Guard

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

— Natasha Bailey, Security Guard

“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

“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 another organization they're paying dues and fees to.”

— Michael Brady, Chief Administrative Officer, Abacus

“If people choose to organize or have any kind of association, they're free to do so, and the company has no interest in blocking any of that.”

— Michael Brady, Chief Administrative Officer, Abacus

What’s next

Abacus and the striking security guards will continue to negotiate over wages, benefits, and working conditions. The company has said it will not oppose unionization efforts if a majority of workers support it, but the workers have signaled their intent to continue striking until their demands are met.

The takeaway

This rally underscores the ongoing struggle for fair pay and benefits among low-wage contract workers, even as the economy recovers from the pandemic. The security guards' demands for union representation, improved health care, and higher wages reflect broader labor movements seeking to empower essential workers and address income inequality.