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Security guards in the US city of Pittsburgh are celebrating after a stunning victory for a new collective agreement. Together with their union, the SEIU, the guards began organising last year. Because of that, a group of nine security companies have agreed to the first-ever contract covering almost 1000 security guards who patrol dozens of large commercial buildings in the city. The road to this victory was a long one: the new agreements is the result of a year of organising and six months of negotiations. Maria Centeno, a SEIU member a security guard was ecstatic. 'I am still shocked! I can't believe we did it! I can't believe we won our first ever union contract!'

The new agreement, which came into effect this month, boosts hourly wages for the guards by $1.95 to $11.75 over the course of the three-year contract. Workers will also receive free individual health coverage and new training from a partnership with the city. As part of a campaign to raise working standards, workers pushed for better training. Most guards just receive basic training in skills such as CPR and use of a heart defibrillator. But because they are often the first responders to dangerous situations they campaigned for training on skills such as how to handle emergencies of all sorts. The new agreement guarantees that workers will begin receiving that training.

Raising the pay and living standards of the security guards is part of the broader fight to raise the minimum wage in the US and put a halt to the rising inequality in America and around the world. Unions are a critical component of the fightback. As union density has declines, income inequality has risen. Dave Cornish, a long term guard and union member agrees, 'I come from a union job, so going back in that direction is a great step for me. No one should have to live pay check to pay check.' and his fellow guard, Joe Foy said, 'This is good for all security guards. It gives us a level of respect for our families and ourselves'.