Security Guards at Top AI Firms Set to Strike, Threatening Office Operations
A potential strike by security personnel at prominent AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI could lead to office closures amid rising safety concerns.
Security officers at several major AI companies in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley are planning a strike on Friday over a contract dispute concerning wages, which could lead to office closures and remote work for employees. The union representing approximately 14,000 security officers in California, SEIU-United Services Workers West, has submitted strike notice for events beginning after 4:30 a.m.
The core issue of the dispute is the proposed wage increases, which the union argues are insufficient given the current cost of living. "After months of bargaining, several multi-billion dollar security companies like Allied Universal, Securitas, GardaWorld, Prosegur, and Inter-Con, offered workers a mere 65 cent raise over the next two years," the union stated. Security workers recently held a rally in downtown San Francisco, protesting what they described as a growing disparity between their compensation and that of the tech employees they protect.
If the strike proceeds, companies such as Anthropic, Microsoft, OpenAI, Google, and Amazon may be forced to shut down their offices or mandate remote work. Anthropic had previously alerted employees to prepare for remote operations due to potential staffing disruptions stemming from the strike.
Negotiations between the union and the security companies were scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, indicating that the walkout is not yet confirmed. This potential labor action occurs as AI companies grapple with escalating security challenges and public apprehension regarding the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.
Recent incidents have heightened security concerns. In April, an individual reportedly infiltrated Anthropic's San Francisco headquarters, delivering a threat of violence against a top executive. The intruder, after being stopped by a guard, presented an envelope addressed to an executive and warned that they "were going to be killed." This event followed alleged attacks at the home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, including an attempted firebombing and a subsequent shooting incident.
Anthropic has stated that it has maintained 24/7 security since 2024 and actively communicates with its employees about potential threats. A company spokesperson noted that their security teams are trained in de-escalation rather than detention. Public sentiment has also shifted against AI, with the technology increasingly being cited as a primary driver of recent layoffs.