The South Bay Labor Council expresses sorrow over the tragic death of
elevator mechanic Donald White at the San Francisco 49er's Stadium construction site. Our condolences
go out to Mr. White's family and co-workers.
Google CEO Commits to Labor Demand
Security Officer Manny C. speaks to demonstrators outside Google's shareholders meeting
June 6, 2013
South Bay Labor Council Executive Officer Ben Field put a pointed question to Google Chairman Eric
Schmidt during the tech giant's shareholder's meeting today.
"About 80% of the workers for your company's security firm, SIS, don't get health insurance or
paid sick days," Field said. "Will you commit to taking into account whether contractors provide good quality jobs including health
insurance and paid sick days when you chose contractors?" Schmidt replied "Yes."
Outside in front of Google headquarters, a large crowd of demonstrators caught the attention of shareholders as
they entered the meeting. Some shareholders videotaped the crowd with signs calling for Security Industry Specialists, Inc.
to treat its security officers with respect and allow them to unionize. Security officers who work for SIS, Inc., which contracts with
Google and other high tech companies in Silicon Valley, are meeting resistance and abuse from their employer as they try to organize a union.
A study prepared by United Services Workers West
focuses on the lives of Silicon Valley security officers who play a vital role in protecting the Valley's
greatest assets - prospering tech giants, glittering office buildings and cutting edge
biotechnology campuses. Yet, these officers struggle every day to make ends meet at home.
