Toronto's event security contractor for the FIFA World Cup, Star Security, was recently involved in a labour dispute over another city contract. The union representing the workers is warning that "under-qualified companies" are being entrusted with public safety.
Labour dispute details
The United Food and Commercial Workers Canada Local 1006A alleged "ongoing violations" involving its members – guards working at Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) properties – a little more than a year before Star Security won the city's high-profile World Cup contract. The union claimed Star tried to treat unionized security guards as independent contractors, denying them certain benefits and potentially statutory holiday pay.
In a statement, Sharon Bollenbach, executive director of the City of Toronto's World Cup secretariat, defended Star's selection but did not clarify if the company would receive additional security funding promised by the federal government. Star, based in Hamilton and specializing in event security, declined to comment on the federal funding announcement and ignored other questions from the Toronto Sun.
Low wages and industry concerns
Online job postings suggest Star will pay guards as little as $18 an hour. A top official at a rival private security company in the GTA, speaking anonymously, said Star's pay is less than what the industry saw for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. At that level for a two-month job, Star would rely heavily on entry-level guards, he argued. "Is that what we really want?" the official asked.
Union warning
UFCW Local 1006A warned that the "ongoing use of lowest-bid procurement for private security contracts … puts public safety and regulatory compliance at risk." The union stated that "under-qualified companies are winning major contracts, pushing out licensed and trained professionals. This has led to lower wages, lost benefits and sometimes even violations of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act."
Last year, the Ministry of the Solicitor General sent a memo to the private security industry, warning against "employee misclassification" as independent contractors, which could violate the PSISA and lead to licence revocation.
City and federal response
Bollenbach said Star was selected after a competitive bidding process in line with city policies. Regarding the federal government's pledge of $145 million in extra funds for World Cup security in Toronto and Vancouver, she said city hall is still "finalizing details" with Ottawa. Event safety and security costs in Toronto are estimated at $93.7 million, most of which goes to the Toronto Police. "Private security costs are not a stand-alone budget line and are included within broader venue and event-related security expenses," her statement added.
Broader context
UFCW's warning follows a lawsuit against the city after an unrelated security firm, One Community Solutions, responsible for homeless shelters, ceased operations. Employees are suing for $32 million, alleging labour violations such as underpayment and nonpayment. The ministry has told the Sun that Star Security is properly licensed.
Union local president Wayne Hanley called for "independent checks on licensing and staffing" of security providers. "Security should not be treated as just another product to buy cheaply. It is a vital public safety service that requires licensed staff, proper training and strong oversight," Hanley said.
Toronto will host six World Cup games, with the first on June 12.
