Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Crystal Hudson Introduce the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act in Honor of Fallen 32BJ SEIU Security Officer

New bill would establish minimum pay standards, benefits, and safety training for security guards

City Hall, NY -At Thursday's Council stated meeting, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Crystal Hudson introduced the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act. The proposed bill is in honor of Aland Etienne, a 32BJ SEIU union member and security guard who was killed while guarding the lobby of 345 Park Avenue in the July 2025 Midtown shooting. The bill introduction followed a press conference held by Speaker Adams, Council Members, 32BJ SEIU, advocates, and the family of Etienne to illustrate the challenges that security guards face in the workplace and call for the establishment of fair pay benefits. and additional safety training. Since the tragic incident, there have been calls for workplace improvements for the security workforce.

"Aland Etienne was a beloved father, son, brother, and partner who cared deeply about the safety of the people who call this city home," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "Security officers like Aland are integral to New York City's public safety infrastructure, but too often they are not compensated or treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. I'm proud to introduce the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act, which would establish and enforce minimum pay standards, benefits, and training for our city's security guards, while ensuring they have the support and preparation they need. This historic legislation is part of the legacy of Aland Etienne, whose fierce love and commitment to New York City will be remembered forever. I thank 32BJ, Aland's family and loved ones, and Council Member Hudson for their support of this legislation." 

Introduction 1391, sponsored by Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Crystal Hudson, would establish a new, dedicated division of security and a Security Guard Advocate within the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to establish and enforce minimum pay standards, paid sick leave, paid vacation, benefits, and training requirements for security guards and their employers. The new division would be tasked with informing workers and employers about their rights and obligations, develop a system to track complaints on potential violations, and coordinate with stakeholders to address issues affecting the workforce.

"The tragic murder of Aland Etienne reminds us how often our city has failed essential workers on the front lines," said Council Member Crystal Hudson, co-prime sponsor of the bill. "Security officers are not just "building staff" - they are first responders in moments of crisis. Yet despite their critical role, they are too often underpaid and denied the training that could save their lives and ours. The Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act is about equity, and it's about saving lives. Let us remember Aland not only in mourning, but in action - by passing this eponymous legislation and raising standards for security officers across New York. True public safety is built on valuing the people who put their own lives on the line for us every single day."

"Security officers are on the frontlines of every imaginable emergency," said Manny Pastreich, President of 32BJ SEIU. "That was made tragically clear when our union brother Aland Etienne was gunned down while trying to save the lives of others during a mass shooting. Unfortunately, the security officers who we trust to watch over our loved ones are often overlooked. But New York City is a city that stands with its first responders. Let's make that clear by showing our support for this essential workforce and passing the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act to ensure all officers get the training they need to respond to crises, and the wages, benefits and time off to stay in the force. Investing in our brave security officers will make us all safer."

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