The Firm Almost Had Its San Jose Contract Taken Away Over Labor Issues
By Zach Armstrong
Santa Monica City Council approved a $2.2 million, five and a half-year contract with Good Guard Security Inc. for the firm to provide overnight security in parking facilities and adjacent areas.
In January, the City piloted a six-month agreement with Good Guard for overnight security in ten parking structures in the downtown area. The program was successful, according to an agenda item, with results such as a 48% decrease in calls for service, a 60% decrease in calls on burglary theft from motor vehicles and Good Guard assigning six guards with a supervisor within 24 hours notice when needed on the Promenade.
In February, San Jose City Council approved a $9 million agreement with Good Guard to manage the city’s security guards, but only after it resolved labor issues, San Jose Spotlight reported. After the firm failed to meet a labor agreement, SJCC sent a memo to find a new contractor. At which point, Good Guard reversed course to promise its workers their health care and retirement benefits wouldn’t be taken away and that they could unionize.
According to its website, Good Guard is a private security company with services around Southern California. It has offices in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Diego.
