Union, family and City Hall allies rally as City Council prepares to move on security officers’ wage and training bill

A coalition of union leaders, family members of a slain security officer and City Hall representatives gathered in New York City to press the City Council to overturn a mayoral veto and enact the Etienne Safety and Security Act, a measure supporters say would set wage standards, require emergency and active-shooter training, and expand benefits for private security officers.

Pedro Francisco, introduced himself as a security officer at Rockefeller Center and a member of SEIU Local 32BJ, and opened remarks by tracing the union’s organizing gains and urging support for the legislation. "We are proud members of 32BJ," he said, calling the bill historic for security officers across the city.

Manny Pasterich, president of SEIU Local 32BJ, framed the bill as a major change for roughly 80,000 private security officers in New York City. Pasterich told the crowd the council would vote to make the measure law and said the law would guarantee a fair wage, a benefits supplement and paid time off. "We're gonna overturn that veto and make it the law of New York City," he said, and called the legislation a way to reduce turnover and professionalize the industry.

Council member Crystal Hudson, a sponsor of the measure, said the bill honors the life of a security officer who died protecting others and stressed training and equity. "It would require comprehensive emergency and active shooter training that can mean the difference between life and death," Hudson said, and she argued wage standards would address high turnover that undermines public safety.

Family members of the deceased security officer addressed the audience. Rachel Paoli, identified as the partner of the officer, said the bill would honor his legacy. His brother, Smith Etienne, recounted the officer’s immigrant background and sacrifice, urging unity among supporters and calling the measure a win for New York and for security officers.

Alan Candelowitz, a Brooklyn security officer, described long commutes, multiple jobs and health challenges and said a reliable paycheck, benefits and paid time off would significantly improve his situation. Organizers noted recent union contract gains and said industry-wide raises and benefits remain inadequate for many officers.

Sam Levine, introduced as leading the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, represented the mayor's administration at the event and described the department’s role in enforcing the law if it takes effect. "If you are not getting the wages you deserve, the benefits you deserve ... we will be fearless in enforcing the law on behalf of all of you," Levine said, and urged workers to report violations.

Speaker Julie Menon told the crowd the City Council planned a broad slate of veto-override votes later in the day, saying the council would consider 17 overrides mentioned by organizers. Menon framed the action as part of a larger worker-protection agenda that includes raising wages and expanding benefits.

Supporters at the event repeatedly said they expected the council to override the previous mayoral veto later the same day; the gathering itself included no formal City Council motion or vote. Organizers emphasized enforcement and compliance as central to delivering promised pay and benefits and urged security officers to report employers that fail to comply.

The next procedural step described at the rally was the City Council's scheduled consideration of veto overrides later the same day; no final vote outcome was recorded in this event.