NAPE is expressing concern about an increase in the use of security guards throughout the metro region.
Security guards are becoming more commonplace in the community as businesses and organizations deal with an increase in criminal activity and unruly behaviour.
Metrobus is introducing security guards on buses starting today to help improve safety and deal with an increase in disruptive behaviour and open drug and alcohol use.
NAPE says non-unionized security guards don’t have the same level of protection as those represented by a union.
That’s a concern says president Jerry Earle because security guards, many of whom are retired from previous careers or are newcomers to the country, often face very challenging working conditions, including verbal abuse and racism from the public, for low wages.
“What they are subjected to is unacceptable, but they have no ability to speak up, and what they get compensated for what they do is, in most cases, the minimum wage, or barely above.”
Earle is encouraging people to call out racist behavior if and when they see it.