Let X be a Banach space and denote by SS₁(X) the set of all S₁-strictly singular operators from X to X. We prove that there is a Banach space X such that SS₁(X) is not a closed ideal. More specifically, we construct space X and operators T₁ and T₂ in SS₁(X) such that T₁+T₂ is not in SS₁(X). We show one example where the space X is reflexive and other where it is c₀-saturated. We also develop some results about S_alpha-strictly singular operators for alpha less than omega_1. / text