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Security workers claim racial discrimination by local firm
Some workers at a Twin Cities security firm are accusing their employer of racial discrimination. Today they, along with local church leaders and union leaders, gathered in Minneapolis to demand change. The workers are employees both past and present of Hannon Security Services in Bloomington. They accuse Hannon of race based discrimination and a hostile working environment. Congressman Keith Ellison was among those supporting the workers today at the forum in Minneapolis. It was held to draw attention to charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in October by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) on behalf of five security officers. They claim white applicants at Hannon Security Services were offered better pay and higher level jobs than their African American and immigrant counterparts who had more training or experience. Current Hannon employee, Alvin Bouye, said, "They've sent employees, white males, white females to be trained under me. I've trained quite a few of them at the site and they've also moved on to better paying jobs. My wages my raises (are) not commensurate with that action." Former Hannon employee, Gerry Messler, said, "Although I'm a white dude, I could really see that they really truly discriminate on the basis of color. It's just an outright fact. I could see it with my own eyes." Some area churches that have contracts with Hannon Security stated today they are now reviewing them. And according to Reverend Scott Stapleton, Grace Trinity Community Church of Minneapolis is sending a letter cancelling its contract with Hannon next month. To cheers from the crowd, Stapleton said, "Now my church is going to dump Hannon as our security service provider." Security officers at Hannon do not currently belong to the SEIU but some have tried. Hannon Security Services issued a statement saying, "These charges of discrimination that the union assisted in bringing forth against Hannon have no merit. These allegations in our opinion are part of an organizing campaign the union has been conducting for the past 5 years. Hannon Security has always treated our employees with the utmost dignity and respect. Our top priority remains providing safety and security to our customers through a quality service." The EEOC is in the process of reviewing and investigating the charges. It's unclear how long that process could take.
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