Security Companies and Union Leaders Make Some Progress in Latest Bargaining Session

Key Differences Yet to be Resolved
SEATTLE--(Business Wire)--
A day-long negotiating session saw limited progress made between
security companies operating in the Seattle/Bellevue area and SEIU
Local 6, the union representing 750 security officers.

"Although we've made some strides, there is still a long way to go
through all of this," said Guy Thomas, a spokesman for the security
companies. "We continue to work for a deal that keeps buildings in the
Puget Sound area secure and recognizes the valuable work performed by
security officers. We have a lot of work to do to reach a final
agreement."

Both sides have agreed in principle to a contract duration of five
years with base minimum wages to be set at $12 an hour for officers
working in large Tier 1 buildings and $11 per hour for officers
guarding smaller Tier 2 facilities.

The bargaining on Wednesday began on a positive note with remarks
by SEIU Local 6 President Sergio Salinas who said, "I appreciate the
last meeting that we had. I believe we made good progress. I think we
are going in the right direction."

However, union leaders are continuing to demand for the security
companies to bear 100 percent of the cost of health care for employees
and a significant contribution toward dependents and family coverage.
The companies feel this demand is excessive and not in line with
benefits afforded to a majority of today's workforce. A further
negotiating session is scheduled for later this month.

Security companies will continue to bargain in good faith with
union leaders. "Today's talks show that we can work constructively to
resolve our differences without disruption to our clients or the
general public," Thomas said. "We hope the union leadership will keep
working with us for a positive outcome."

The companies involved in the negotiations are ABM Security
Services, AlliedBarton Security Services, Securitas Security Services
and Northwest Protective Service. The companies provide security for
numerous commercial office buildings in the Puget Sound area.

Singer Associates
Sam Singer, 415-227-9700
415-336-4949 (cell)

Copyright Business Wire 2008