Private security officers go on strike

Private security officers in the Twin Cities have launched a strike against a half dozen companies that offer services to some of the state's most prominent companies.

Local 26 of the Service Employees International Union announced the strike just after 4 a.m. Wednesday, after what they said was a marathon bargaining session overnight.

The union reached an agreement with the largest of seven service providers, St. Paul-based American Security, representing about 500 workers. But talks broke off with six others involving the rest of the Union's 2,000 security guards.

Organizers are calling the work action a one-day unfair labor practices strike and set up picket lines this morning.

The move follows picketing yesterday in support of retail store cleaners, who called a one-day strike yesterday, although at least one employer said there was no work stoppage from Tuesday cleaning shifts.

About 4,000 janitors with Local 26 reached a new contract agreement last weekend.