Security guards at Brown University are demanding better work conditions. Here's why

Oliade Sabola came to Rhode Island from Nigeria in February 2020 as the pandemic raged.

Because of COVID-19, it was tough for Sabola to find work. After more than half a year, she found USENTRA Security, a Warwick firm that stations guards at various locations from health centers to The Providence Journal printing plant and Brown University.

At first, Sabola was happy. She finally got a job. Now, though, the shine has worn off and reality has set in, she said. Sabola, who is posted at Brown's School of Public Health, had to speak to The Journal on Wednesday from her desk. She couldn't get away for the brief protest that occurred outside her building, where a local labor union called for better conditions for her and her colleagues.

Sabola said on the company's $14.50 per hour pay, she can't afford to buy the health insurance it offers. Not even after pulling 14-hour shifts shifts Monday through Friday.

Sometimes the work becomes too much.

"I wish I wasn’t having issues or any problem," Sabola said. "But I don’t really have the strength every day to do it."

What do USENTRA security guards want?

USENTRA security guards have been rallying for nearly two years, joined by a handful of politicians, seeking better pay, a more regular schedule, and affordable health insurance. They have been looking to join the Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ, but haven't had success. The union has been leading efforts to organize protests and demand change. Yet so far, those calls have fallen on deaf ears.

"Our message is simple," said union organizer Dan Nicolai. "The Brown School of Public Health needs to live up to its mission to help underserved communities and not have contractors that provide only poverty jobs that do not allow employees to have a voice at work. USENTRA employees have unreliable wage rates, no real health benefits and scheduling without any consideration for their basic needs."

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USENTRA President and CEO Ben Lupovitz provided the following statement.

"USENTRA Security is successful primarily because of the great people who choose to be a part of our organization. They work hard to make sure our customers get good security service. USENTRA has succeeded for a long time by treating our people well. We take great pride in our team and continuously look for ways to make USENTRA a better place to work."

Brown University did not immediately reply to a comment request.

Lawmakers rally in support of union and security guards

Wednesday's protest drew several local lawmakers, including Council President Rachel Miller, Rep. David Morales and Sen. Sandra Cano, who spoke in support of workers and in condemnation of the security firm.

"They are spreading poverty in our community," Cano, who is also campaigning for a District 1 congressional seat, said. "That needs to end. Despite their mission Brown University School of Public Health is letting it happen."

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Morales delivered a similar message, contending that institutions using USENTRA's services under the company's current conditions are treating workers as "disposable."

"No one in Providence or across the state should put in a hard day’s work day after day and still not be able to afford healthcare, or have to make choices between rent and childcare and feeding their families," Miller said. "But for far too many Rhode Islanders, this is the truth."

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the name of the union organizer. He is Dan Nicolai.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Brown University security guards protest for better working conditions