Vijay Security Guard

I have lived in my condo for 13 years.  During that time we have had the same security guard for at least a decade. Years ago to save money we switched from 24 hour security to 12 hours. Vijay our security guard seemed to work 7 days a week. Other than the odd replacement day, Vijay was a constant friendly presence. Always helpful and courteous. I gave Vijay a generous annual Christmas tip, because I appreciated the loyalty.

I know from experience that security guards at condos make barely more than the minimum wage. After I left the Navy and attended college, I worked as a security guard. It is a thankless, low wage job. Even as a young insurance employee, 20 years ago, I ran a little short on funds, attempting to make car payments, I took a weekend job as a security guard working the gate house of a Richmond Hill condo complex. I made about $6 an hour and worked for 3 months, primarily the night shift. My supervisor worked full-time at Allstate Insurance.

One thing about security guards that always struck me, was that they grew attached to the people at the location they worked. Not me, I hated the people at the Richmond Hill condo. But full-time guards got to know the residents and their lifestyles. They would often turn down more lucrative locations to continue working at the same site. The guard companies pay the guards based on what they can extract from the contract. If they have a higher paid contract they will pay the guards more money. These guards, barely scratching out a living, would turn down money out of loyalty to the residents. To me it made little sense and it upset me that they would show loyalty to people, I know would dump them in an instant to save money.

Last week I noticed new guards working the entrance to the condo. I assumed Vijay was on vacation. A notice was posted in the elevator that the condo hired a new security company to save money. Vijay was out of work. I was shocked and disappointed for Vijay, an engineer back in India, was dumped without notice to the residents. A couple of days later we received an email from the building manager attempting to explain the change. Days later another email was sent discussing Vijay. Clearly there was a backlash from residents. Vijay would be offered a job with the new company. I know that would mean a pay cut for Vijay. I hope he turns the job down. It was heartening to see the support for Vijay, but in the end the dollar rules.