Security Firm Fails to Pay Toronto Guards for December Duties

A private security firm, One Community Solutions (OCS), has been accused of not compensating its employees in Toronto for the month of December 2025. This comes as the company has secured over $40 million in contracts from the city since 2020 to provide security services at shelters, parks, and areas associated with homelessness.

Employees have reported to the Toronto Sun that they did not receive their paychecks for December, with one guard, identified only as Alexander for anonymity, highlighting the financial strain this has caused among workers. He mentioned that many of his colleagues struggled to afford basic necessities, let alone holiday gifts for their families.

Paychecks for late November had already faced delays, arriving in early December, and January payments were also reported to be absent. “It makes life be too tight,” Alexander said during a phone interview. “We are just sitting on ice,” he added, referring to a lack of communication from OCS management regarding the pay issues.

Concerns about employee treatment and compensation have surfaced, with guards alleging they feel undervalued and subject to arbitrary disciplinary measures. Two additional guards reached out to the Sun to voice similar complaints, confirming the issues regarding late pay and lack of overtime compensation, yet opted to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation.

According to the company’s HR chief, Mitchell Cawley, via a workforce app, the delays in payment in December were described as “growing pains” for a small company. In a message dated December 18, 2025, he acknowledged the delays and apologized for the inconvenience, especially around the holiday season.

Despite these challenges, many guards, including Alexander, continue to work in difficult conditions. Their duties often involve engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness and addressing safety concerns in public spaces. Alexander noted that, even with the risks of the job—including interactions with drug use and mental health crises—guards are not provided regular sick days and must find their own replacements when ill.

Additionally, Alexander raised concerns about the lack of overtime pay, stating that he often works over 60 hours a week without additional compensation. While a recent job posting listed hourly wages up to $21, Alexander reports that this is not reflective of what most guards earn, even those who have been with the company for several years.

The relationship between OCS and the City of Toronto has grown since the company’s inception, despite past controversies that have involved criticism of the guards’ training and conduct. For example, OCS was involved in security operations at the South Riverdale Community Health Centre during a tragic shooting incident in 2025.

When approached for comments regarding the payroll issues, Damion Dunston, the founder of OCS, initially indicated that Cawley would handle media inquiries but later stated he does not manage media relations. Following a request for information concerning the payroll situation, OCS requested a list of questions but ultimately provided no comment.

The City of Toronto confirmed that it processed payments to OCS in November and December and directed questions about payroll to the contractor. In a separate communication, Andrew Scavarelli, director of homelessness services for Simcoe County, reaffirmed OCS’s commitment to its partnership with the county, despite the ongoing payroll concerns.

This situation highlights the precarious position of workers in the security sector, particularly those tasked with safeguarding vulnerable populations. As Alexander noted, despite his frustrations with OCS, he finds purpose in helping those experiencing homelessness. “I feel sorry for their stories. I just feel like helping them,” he expressed, emphasizing the human connection that often makes the challenging work worthwhile.