Safety Ambassadors Demand the Right to Unionize

Pittsburgh City Council today unanimously approved a resolution supporting the unionization efforts of the "safety ambassadors," whose goal is to provide a hospitable and safe environment in downtown Pittsburgh. The safety ambassadors claim Block-by-Block, the Kentucky-based company contracted by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, is thwarting their efforts to unionize. As hourly workers, they do not receive benefits and have no time off for emergencies or personal days. The workers approached the Service Employees International Union last fall seeking representation, and say that they were threatened and interrogated by Block-by-Block. The National Labor Relations Board is investigating the claims. Block-by-Block was unavailable for comment.