Baltimore security guards strike for respect, healthcare, and a union

Baltimore security guards strike for respect, healthcare, and a union

From Working People by Working People

April 8, 2026 · 29 min · Season 9 · Episode 14

About this episode

This episode discusses the upcoming strike of Baltimore security guards against Abacus Corporation for better working conditions and union representation.

Nearly a year after workers voted to authorize a strike, non-union city and commercially contracted security officers in Baltimore, MD, will walk off the job on April 9 in an Unfair Labor Practice strike against their employer, Abacus Corporation. In their yearslong effort to unionize and secure more job security, better pay, accessible healthcare, and safer working conditions, workers at Abacus have reported rampant union busting and violations of their labor rights. In this episode, we speak with Laura Dixon, a veteran security officer and Abacus employee, and Jaimie Contreras, executive vice president of the Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ. Additional links/info: SEIU Local 32BJ website , Facebook page , and Instagram Katherine Wilson, Baltimore Sun , " Baltimore contract security officers at city properties prepare to strike " Featured Music: Jules Taylor, Working People Theme Song Credits: Audio Post-Production: Jules Taylor

People in this episode

Guests: Laura Dixon, Jaimie Contreras

Topics covered

  • labor rights
  • unionization
  • healthcare
  • job security
  • working conditions

Keywords

  • Baltimore
  • security guards
  • strike
  • union
  • healthcare
  • labor rights
  • Abacus Corporation
  • SEIU
  • job security

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Service Employees International Union, Abacus Corporation

Places: Baltimore, MD

More episodes of Working People

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Working People podcast page.