SECURITY ON THE MOVE: Meet Charles, THE INFLUENCER
The “Security On The Move...” campaign is gearing up with both the Metro and BOMA contracts, some of SEIU Local 1’s most comprehensive agreements. They are up for renewal in the spring of 2022. Each month, Local 1 will feature a security officer who is a bold and daring leader in their workplace. These features will be an opportunity for member leaders to share insights on their work and why being in a union is so important for working people.
Each month, we will include a special Q&A interview with these movers in their own right with a one-word description that captures how they make a difference in their workplace. This month we’re featuring Charles Grier, THE INFLUENCER.
Charles Grier is an influencer. As a security officer at Northwestern Memorial Hospital located in downtown Chicago, he understands first-hand the many challenges, including work hours and low pay facing security officers. Originally from Houston, Texas, Charles moved to Chicago about a year ago. Although he's only been at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for four months and has been a Local 1 member for a short time, he has already stepped up as a leader at his worksite. Charles has signed up more than 40 co-workers using 'ALL IN' cards. As a union steward, he is a mentor to his colleagues and strongly advocates for everyone. Charles is on the move.
Below is a short Q&A from him.
What does an average day at work look like for you?
Basically, we secure the premises of the hospital. I’m the only officer who actually goes around the entire campus, so I see everyone. It takes about 45 minutes to do one round, and I do four rounds in a day. I have a whole visual of everything happening on the campus.
I look for any security breaches by ensuring doors are closed, sealed, and locked and that all guards are at their spots when they are supposed to be.
What’s something you love about your job?
I love that I get to drive for my job. I get to spend most of my workday driving a 2002 Ford Explorer.
Why is being involved with the union important to you?
This is my first union job, and I see a big difference between it and non-union companies. Being involved in the union is important to me because somebody needs to have our backs. Some management personnel don’t always have our backs..
I was asked to help people sign-up on union cards. I’m a steward right now. I’ve only been a steward for a month and a half. When people have problems, they tell me, and I help them. I do my best to solve them. I like helping people and enjoy helping everybody.
What’s something you want changed in your next contract?
I really feel like regular officers should be getting paid much more. Regular officers are doing the same thing as supervisors; it shouldn’t be a big difference between our pay.
The only reason I’m able to take care of myself is because I work a lot of hours. If I worked 40 hours [a week], it would be a bit of a struggle. I now work 65 hours a week. I believe we should get paid enough to make ends meet in just 40 hours a week.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I love sports. I’m a sports guru. The Dallas Cowboys are my team. I play basketball and football. I like to run, play soccer and volleyball. I enjoy anything that keeps me active.
To win for our families and communities it’s important for us ALL to get involved! Want to be featured on the newsletter? Ready to fight for a strong new contract? CLICK HERE!