SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Transit officials said they don't anticipate any delays for Chargers fans Thursday despite threats from trolley security guards that they might walk off the job.
About 200 members of the International Union of Security, Police and Fire Professionals said in a statement they plan rallies along the three trolley lines and will call a strike during the Chargers rare Thursday night game against Oakland.
The timing of the game could result in a congested evening commute for both trolley passengers and drivers, and the annual home game against the Raiders usually leads to scuffles and arrests of fans.
Rob Schupp of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System said security contractor Transit Systems Security has promised to have adequate staffing if the guards choose to walk out. TSS Chairman and CEO Lawrence Richman said his company will draw manpower from an affiliated firm, if necessary.
The union has filed a claim against Transit Security Services and the MTS with the National Labor Relations Board.
The guards joined the union last year and have been negotiating their first contract with the company. Their complaints include low wages, no sick or holiday pay, and a requirement that they purchase their uniforms.
This is a story update. The previous story is below.
SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Trolley service will not be disrupted Thursday, despite a threatened job action by security guards, a Metropolitan Transit System official said Wednesday.
The guards filed an unfair labor practice claim with the National Labor Relations Board, naming Transit Systems Security and the MTS.
About 200 members of the International Union of Security, Police and Fire Professionals plan a march on Thursday. They may walk off their jobs around the time of Chargers-Raiders game when the trolleys are typically packed.
Transit Systems Security guaranteed adequate staffing on Thursday, Rob Schupp of the MTS said.
Transit officials notified law enforcement agencies of the pending job action, he said.
"The safety and security of our customers is our number one priority," Schupp said.
A statement from the union said workers face low wages, no sick or holiday pay, no health benefits unless the workers pay for it, and are required to buy uniforms.
The NLRB claim alleges that a Transit Systems Security official recorded images of workers doing informational picketing, then changed their posts and shifts in retaliation, according to the union, which also alleges workers were quizzed about union activities and threatened with firing.
Lawrence "Larry" Richman, the head of the firm, denied the claims. Until mid-October, he said his company was negotiating a contract with the union, which the security guards joined last year. If Transit Security Systems guards strike, Richman said he would use employees from Heritage Security Services to fill any shifts.
