The New York City Council, in a marathon end-of-year meeting that lasted late into the night on December 18, passed the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act, phasing in new minimum pay and benefits standards for this industry in New York City. The legislation, which still must be signed into law by the mayor, was sponsored by Speaker Adrienne Adams and dozens of co-sponsors, and heavily supported by 32BJ SEIU which represents 20,000 security guards
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and more than 25 co-sponsors introduced the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act shortly after the rally. The measure would direct the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to establish and enforce minimum wage standards, paid sick and vacation leave, benefits, and expanded training requirements for security guards. It also would create a Security Guard Advocate within the agency to educate guards and employers about the new mandates and handle complaints.