Art Museum guards issue complaints about employer

The majority of guards at the Philadelphia Museum of Art say they have been inadequately trained to protect the art collections and museum patrons in the event of a disaster, according to leaders of the 120-member Philadelphia Security Officers.

Union officials gathered yesterday on the museum steps to report that 60 percent of the membership thinks their employer, AlliedBarton, a Conshohocken security firm, has provided insufficient preparation in fire safety, terrorism response, and emergency-responder medical aid.

The union, organized in October, is pressing for a contract with AlliedBarton with higher wages, benefits and training. AlliedBarton has challenged the formation of the union and has filed a request for review with the National Labor Relations Board.

- Sam Wood