US Security Associates Subject to 50+ Federal Lawsuits
As the spotlight on sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the workplace grows brighter, US Security Associates (USSA) and related entities have been the subject of more than 50 federal lawsuits–including sexual harassment and gender discrimination–since 2000. In Portland, US Security Associates provides security to Daimler Trucks of North America, among other locations. The locality of litigation spread across the country to Oregon, California, Washington, Texas, Ohio, and many more. While USSA denies most of the allegations, a sizeable proportion of these charges were settled before a verdict was reached. The sheer number of allegations and cases filed speak to a distressing pattern of allegations within the company. Within the…
How Daimler Trucks Stole Christmas
Daimler Trucks’ headquarters received a surprise visit this holiday season: Millennium Building Service janitors and supporters who stopped by to sing Christmas carols, modified with messages Daimler needs to hear. Instead of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” they sang, “We’ll Fight for Living Wages!” and other modified holiday classics. Despite the light-hearted approach, Millennium janitors and supporters rose serious issues and made it clear they won’t stop fighting until they win a union. Recently, Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) responded to Millennium janitors’ complaints regarding alleged retaliation for the use of protected sick time, and denial of access to protected sick time. Multiple MBS worker complaints with…
Spotlight on Daimler at Prosper Portland Board meeting
When Daimler Trucks of North America received up to $20 million in city and state subsidies to construct its new headquarters, the company committed to bringing good jobs to Portland as part of the deal. Because Daimler’s janitors are employed by subcontractor Millennium Building Services, and subcontractors aren’t covered by the good jobs commitment, their jobs aren’t required to meet the criteria Daimler agreed to follow. Janitors are asking Daimler to follow the spirit of their commitment and to help raise job quality standards for subcontractors. On October 25, MBS janitors brought their concerns to a public meeting of Prosper Portland’s commissioners, since Prosper Portland invested millions in Daimler’s HQ.…
Portland janitors step up their call on building owners to practice responsible contracting
Millennium Building Service (MBS) janitors, who clean the offices of major corporations and institutions across Portland, filed complaints with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) on Wednesday, 9/20, alleging wage theft, underpayment of wages, and denial of legally-protected sick time. A group of janitors visited the BOLI offices asking for action to reclaim back wages and recognition for their rights on the job. MBS janitors clean buildings at Nike World Headquarters, Daimler Trucks’ North American Headquarters, and office buildings owned by Portland State University. As part of Raise America PDX actions, community supporters signed onto a letter asking why companies like Daimler and Nike, which received massive public…
Millennium Building Services workers say: “Justice for Janitors!”
Portland-area janitors took action to stand up for good jobs, as part of a nationally coordinated day of action. Low-wage janitors stood with faith leaders, union members, other non-union workers, and community supporters to demand that Millennium Building Services (MBS) create good jobs for working Oregonians. On a day that marks 27 years since a major turning point in the janitorial industry, Portland janitors are continuing the legacy of the Justice for Janitors! movement. Workers and their supporters started the day by delivering a letter calling on MBS management to agree to a fair process to form their union. The group then boarded a bus to Daimler’s North American Headquarters,…
We're working together for a better economy, good jobs, and healthy, safe buildings.
