Union effort clears hurdle (LA security guards)

[struggle4progress]

CalSTRS pension fund partner says it won't block security guards in L.A. who want to organize.

By Gilbert Chan -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Friday, April 8, 2005

The California State Teachers' Retirement System gave a huge lift Thursday to downtown Los Angeles security guards' efforts to organize a union.

The breakthrough emerged during a meeting of CalSTRS trustees, when James A. Thomas, one of the pension fund's real estate investment partners, said his company won't block the efforts.

Thomas' announcement, faxed to trustees at CalSTRS headquarters on Folsom Boulevard shortly before union leaders sought support, could pave the way for other major Los Angeles building owners to follow suit.

"We are elated. This is momentous help for us. We're fighting to be recognized," said Fernando Jiminez, a security officer at City National Plaza, formerly Arco Plaza, in downtown Los Angeles. <snip>

http://www.sacbee.com/content/business/story/12691677p-13544363c.html