Baltimore Security Officers Strike Against Abacus Corporation

Employees allege unfair labor practices amid unionization efforts

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:58am

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A minimalist studio photograph featuring a stack of security guard uniforms, a whistle, and a security badge arranged on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the labor rights issues at the heart of the Baltimore security officer strike.A stark still life of security uniforms and equipment symbolizes the high-stakes labor dispute between Baltimore's contracted officers and their employer.Baltimore Today

Security officers working in Baltimore's Harbor East community have gone on strike against their employer, Abacus Corporation, alleging unfair labor practices. The non-union officers, who have been trying to unionize, walked off the job with no timeline on when they plan to return. The union SEIU 32BJ has filed charges on behalf of the workers, including allegations of discrimination, coercion, and firings for participation in union activities.

Why it matters

This strike highlights the ongoing tensions between workers and employers over labor rights and unionization efforts, particularly in the security industry. The outcome could set a precedent for how companies respond to organizing drives and impact the broader labor landscape in Baltimore.

The details

The security officers, who work in city-owned buildings and commercial sites in Harbor East, are members of SEIU 32BJ, the largest property service worker union in the country. The union has 1,700 members in Baltimore and a total of 190,000 members across 12 states. Abacus Corporation, the security contractor, denies the union's claims and says the charges are "factually incorrect and meant to mislead the public." However, Baltimore City Council members have joined the officers in a rally, arguing that the workers' demands are about dignity and that people don't choose to go on strike lightly.

  • The security officers went on strike on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • Charges were filed by SEIU 32BJ on behalf of the workers in 2025 and 2026, alleging unfair labor practices.

The players

SEIU 32BJ

The largest property service worker union in the country, with 1,700 members in Baltimore and 190,000 members across 12 states.

Abacus Corporation

The security contractor that employs the striking officers in Baltimore's Harbor East community.

Odette Ramos

A Baltimore City Council member who joined the officers for a rally.

Mark Parker

A Baltimore City Council member who joined the officers for a rally.

Jermain Jones

A Baltimore City Council member who joined the officers for a rally.

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What they’re saying

“The charges filed by SEIU are allegations, not findings of fact. Abacus categorically denies any unlawful conduct, has cooperated fully with all regulatory processes, and is confident in the lawfulness of its employment practices.”

— Abacus Corporation, Spokesperson

“This is not a dispute against the City of Baltimore. This is a dispute against the city contractor, Abacus, and others who've broken the law by violating workers' rights to form a union and have a voice on the job.”

— Jaime Contreras, Executive Vice President of SEUI 32BJ

“People don't choose to go on strike. They depend on their wages. For them to take it to this extent, there must be a large amount of frustration.”

— Jermain Jones, Baltimore City Council member

What’s next

The National Labor Relations Board will investigate the charges filed by SEIU 32BJ against Abacus Corporation. The outcome of this investigation could determine whether the workers' strike was lawful and if the company engaged in unfair labor practices.

The takeaway

This strike highlights the ongoing tensions between workers and employers over labor rights and unionization efforts, particularly in the security industry. The outcome could set a precedent for how companies respond to organizing drives and impact the broader labor landscape in Baltimore.