Lambert Airport Security Officers Ratify Historic Union Contract

ST. LOUIS, MO — After months of negotiations, more than 100 contracted Security Officers at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1, voted to ratify their first Union contract marking a historic victory for frontline airport workers who provide essential security services for passengers, visitors, employees, and the City of St. Louis. 

The agreement establishes important workplace protections and economic improvements, including guaranteed wage protections, raises based on years of service and paid time off improvements that are intended to stabilize the workforce and incentivize experienced airport Security Officers.  

Security Officers at Lambert Airport organized with SEIU Local 1 in June of last year to address high turnover, and poor working conditions for first responders performing critical work at one of the region’s most important transportation hubs.

The contract comes after eight months of negotiations between SEIU Local 1 and GardaWorld. Workers and community allies continued to push for an agreement that would help stabilize the workforce and recognize the important role Security Officers play at Lambert Airport.  “This is a major step forward for Security Officers at Lambert Airport,” said John DeWeese, GardaWorld Security Officer. “My coworkers and I joined Local 1 because we wanted respect, stability, and a real voice on the job. This agreement proves that when workers stand together, we can win improvements that make a real difference.”

“This victory belongs to the officers who stood together, spoke up, and refused to give up,” said SEIU Local 1 Vice President and Missouri Director, Chris Rak. “Now, with their first Union contract, Lambert Security Officers have a foundation for higher standards, stronger job protections, and greater respect.”

"I congratulate the security officers at Lambert Airport for achieving their first contract as a Union,” said 1st Ward Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer. “Workers who organize and fight for what they deserve make the market safer for workers everywhere. I am grateful for the time and effort they put into this huge achievement and to SEIU for their support and advocacy. I believe this contract will lead to improvements in airport operations, and I can't wait until the next time my family and I fly, so I can congratulate these essential security officers in person."