Jesse Jackson Calls For Better Treatment Of Amazon's Security Guards

This is Further proof that contract security workers are treated like crap.

http://www.kplu.org/post/jesse-jackson-calls-better-treatment-amazons-security-guards

Accompanied by a small entourage, Reverend Jesse Jackson spoke at a rally outside Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle Wednesday in support of Amazon’s security guards.

The security guards are not employed by Amazon, but instead work for a California-based company called Security Industry Specialists, or SIS.

Jackson led the modest crowd in a variation of "Hands up! Don't shoot!" — the chant recited by protesters in Ferguson, Missouri. The crowd turned it into a call for better conditions for low wage workers: “Hands up for jobs and justice! Hands up for security workers who want to see their children go to college. Hands up!”

The rally was partially organized by the Service Employees International Union, which accuses SIS of unfair labor practices. SIS, in turn, says the union is running a "vicious corporate” campaign against the company to pressure its workers to unionize.

Jackson has been in the Seattle area for the past few days shining a light on the lack of diversity in the tech industry. He is encouraging protesters demonstrating against the grand jury decision in Ferguson to express their opinions peacefully.

In house Vs. Contract Security Jobs

You may have come to this blog because you are new to the security industry and need some guidance. That is why I made this blog was to help others avoid the pitfalls of the security industry. As a security officer I feel like a nomad not staying with a position long enough to grow roots with a company. And, why is that? Its because we are always looking for better. Better hours, Pay, and a job with benefits. You may have heard the terms “in-house security” and “contract security” work. What are they and what is the difference? Which is better? What do they have to offer?

What are “in-house security” and “contract security” jobs? In house security controlled entirely by the company establishing security for its operations. Contract security services are operations that are provided by a professional security company that contracts its services to a company. For example, NYU Security guards work directly for NYU, they are in house. Most hotels and, universities have in-house security. Contract security companies are companies like Allied Barton, Securitas, FJC, etc.

In house security jobs usually pay more and better benefits than contract security. To get an in house security job you need to be more qualified. These are sometimes unionized. You will need at least 2 to 3 years experience and a high school diploma. You might want to get your fireguard license as well. You have more responsibility at these jobs. You will get treated like a total asshole if you mess up slightly.

Contract security usually means you have to eat shit for less money. Contract security companies use you to make them money so the less they pay you the more they profit. For example they charge the client like $40 a guard but pay you $9 and don't give you health or anything. To save even more money they hire more guards so no one gets 40hrs and they make sure you do not get paid for lunch so you will get paid 7 hrs a day. That is if you are lucky to get a lunch. You will get treated like a total asshole of the bat. There will be times that you will get stuck working over 16 hours because someone will have had enough and quit or have gotten fired.

No matter who you work for just know security is the red headed step child. Even though we are expected to fight Al Queada and prevent the apocalypse you will always be a low priority. At least with in house you get compensated better. So always aim for in house security. Contract work is only good to gain experience. So keep your eyes open and improve your skills and get those certifications. If you dont have you diploma get your GED it will help you out. As always strive to be better.

How To Avoid Security Guard Job Scams

There are a lot of scams on Craigslist, Newspapers and other job sites. Many security training schools will advertise themselves as A security company who is hiring. they will try to schedule an IMMEDIATE appointment with you and tell you to bring $80- $100 for a “Background Check, Drug Test or Uniform.” However, when you get there, it’s usually a security training school. Many of these scam schools will try to sell you classes that will not be recognized by an employer like, metal detection, and anti terror, and homeland security like you will be trained to be jack Bauer. 

YOU ARE ONLY required to have THE 8 HOUR, 16 HOUR, Guard license, and an 8 hour annual each year. If you want extra certifications to help, go for the Fireguard License and CPR/AED training but those are optional. 

In YouTube videos I posted I spoke about this one place in particular called Big Apple Security. Since then I have received emails and phone calls on horror stories of how Big Apple Security took people for hundreds of dollars and being told by their employees to just not come back and forget about the money. I am not going to ask for money I just doing what I was trained to do as a Security Officer and that is to observe and report. Ultimately it is up to the reader to show this and other videos to everyone considering Security work before they seek training to save you money. 

BEWARE OF SOME COMPANIES WHO ADVERTISE WITH 347, 646 & 917 AREA CODES. Avoid ads for security work with company names like HR department those are usually a fraud. Avoid ads that promise 12 or more starting you never get paid that much starting. AVOID PROMISES OF JOB PLACEMENT OVER THE PHONE. If you perceive that something does not sound right go with your instinct and leave. 

According the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs, Upfront fees for a job are a “Red Flag.” If you want a good job you will have to look for it yourself No school has the golden key to a good job you have to go out there and work to find one a lot of times it is who you know after you proven yourself. In fact in the contracts these fraud schools hide in the fine print usually say “we only provide job placement assistance. Obtaining the actual job is the client’s responsibility.” Before you go to these schools always check if they have complaints go to sites like Ripoffreport.com.

If you have been scammed please report to: 
Thomas P. Canning
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services
Office of Public Safety Associate Training Technician (Police)
4 Tower Place
Albany, NY 12203-3764
phone 518-457-3580

If you are looking for legitimate training as a security officer I recommend going to R.E.M.S as they have the best prices by far. 
8 Hour Pre-Assignment Course $40
16 Hour On-The-Job Training Course $80.00
8 Hour Annual In-Service Course $40.00
They do charge to do the paper work for your license. 
For More Information go to http://www.securitytraining.com/Security_main.htm