Security officers at Fordham University are unhappy. They say their pay checks are too small, their health benefits are costly and inadequate, they have no retirement plan and they fear they could lose their jobs at a moment’s notice.

They blame their bosses and their union.

But last week, Fordham University presented the officers with an opportunity for change. After a lengthy meeting with officers and students, followed by a rally on campus of more than 100 students, security officers and clergy, Fordham University administrators announced on Feb. 11 that they would put the school’s security contract up for bid.  

University officials would not comment further on their decision, other than to say that the new contract will take effect July 1, but officers say they are certainly ready for a change.

In a closed door forum at Fordham’s Rose Hill campus in the northwest Bronx on Jan. 30, security officers were given the chance to voice their complaints to the Workers’ Rights Board, a group of clergy members and students that was created to hear the officers’ testimony and communicate their concerns to Fordham administrators.

At the hearing, the officers lashed out at both their union, Allied International, and the security company they work for, Summit Security. Many officers complained about their wages, which is on average about $10 an hour.

In addition, one security officer said that he “feels unprotected” by his union, while another guard added that they are “determined to get better representation.”

Job security was also a big issue. A few officers testified that they worry every day that they might lose their jobs, claiming that in several instances colleagues had been moved from the Fordham post to another location with no explanation.

“How are we supposed to do our work if [we’re] afraid to lose our jobs?” said one officer.

All guards who spoke asked that their names be withheld from this article for fear of retribution from their employer.

The officers have been trying to get better health benefits for months. In December, their union, Allied, which has been representing the Fordham officers since 1994, did offer them a new benefits package, but the workers say it is barely an improvement.  

And some officers who testified on Jan. 30 credited another union, SEIU Local 32BJ, a building service workers union, for enabling those changes. Last year, members of 32BJ began supporting the Fordham officers in their fight for better wages and benefits, as well as trying to get them to consider joining their union.

Allied officials insist 32BJ was not responsible for the changes in benefits, and that the officers would be better off sticking with Allied.

Changing union representation can be complicated. A majority of security guards must vote to de-authorize Allied. And even then, it is not clear how much would change. Because Allied still has a year left on its contract with Summit, a new contractor still might have to conduct any collective bargaining with Allied.  

In the meantime, Fordham officials warn that a new contract could create some new glitches. ”Job security cannot be guaranteed if Fordham cancels its contract with Summit Security,” said Fordham Communications Director Bob Howe. “As a practical matter, if a new contractor is retained, many of the current security guards can lose their jobs.”

Still, said Matt Fiess, a Fordham senior and a member of the Workers Rights Board, “The bid for a new contract is a step in the right direction for sure.” But he and other board members still need to make sure Fordham administration takes their suggestions seriously. “It’s not like it’s over yet,” he said.

Additional reporting by Jessica Glazer.