Security guards working at major technology companies in the San Francisco Bay Area have voted to authorize a strike after months of unsuccessful negotiations with the companies that employ them.

Around 80 security workers and union representatives gathered in downtown San Francisco this week as workers backed strike authorization. The employees, represented by the Service Employees International Union–United Service Workers West, are seeking higher wages, stronger training programs and improved family healthcare benefits.

The dispute involves security companies that provide services to major technology businesses across the region. Workers say their current compensation does not adequately reflect the cost of living in the Bay Area and the responsibilities involved in protecting large corporate facilities.

Union representatives have also raised concerns about working conditions, saying some guards face potentially dangerous situations without adequate protection or training.

The strike authorization does not necessarily mean workers will immediately walk off the job. Instead, it gives union representatives greater leverage as negotiations with security companies continue.

The development comes in one of America’s most expensive metropolitan areas, where housing and everyday expenses have placed considerable pressure on workers in service-sector jobs.

For technology companies, a prolonged labor dispute could create challenges because contracted security personnel play an important role in protecting offices, campuses and other facilities.

Negotiations are expected to continue as both sides consider whether an agreement can be reached without a work stoppage. The outcome could also influence discussions involving other contracted workers across the Bay Area.

For the security guards involved, the central issues remain wages, healthcare and workplace safety. Whether the two sides can resolve those concerns before a strike takes place will depend on the progress of upcoming negotiations.