Union: Security Guards Watching Sacramento City Hall, Crocker Art Museums No-Shows

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The city of Sacramento is cutting ties with a private security company amid accusations the company paid millions to guard public buildings hasn't put guards on duty where it's paid to.

The owner of National Security denies the allegations. The firm's contract included guarding City Hall and the Crocker Art Museum.

The move comes the same week National was up for renewal, and after union organizers with the Service Employees International Union detailed contract shortcomings in a letter to city leaders. In that letter were allegations of security guards not showing up for work at all.

Owner Michael Gerami firmly disputes the claims.

"We are guilty til proven innocent right now," he said. "We have all the payroll we have time sheets, to prove that staffing has been 100 percent."

He says the city's decision is the result of a smear campaign by the SEIU

"And they said unless you do as we tell as we tell you, sign a contract with us, we'll make life miserable for you," he said.

A union spokesman disagreed with his claims.