Twin Cities security guards prepared to strike

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — About 2,000 Twin Cities area security guards are preparing for a one-day strike sometime this week.

Service Employees International Union members gathered Sunday to learn more about the status of the talks and to review a tentative deal reached for last week for 4,000 janitors represented by the union that includes a raise of $1.20 an hour over three years.

But officials say several sticking points remain for security guards. They're seeking raises and more affordable health care. Their contract expired in December.

The one-day strike would target seven security companies and several large corporations that contract with those services, including Target, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.

David Duddleston, a lawyer for the employers, says there's been progress and that both sides had agreed to resume talks March 12.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.