Contract includes more than 13% in raises and greater protections for all workers
Baltimore — On Thursday, October 3, workers at the Baltimore Museum of Art voted to ratify their first union contract by an overwhelming margin of 98%. After two years of negotiations with museum management, the Baltimore Museum of Art Union, AFSCME reached a tentative agreement in late September. Thursday’s vote represents a final step towards greater benefits and protections for BMA workers.
Highlights of the new contract include:
- over 13% in raises over the life of the contract,
- reimbursements for certain employees to purchase protective workwear,
- seating for gallery officers at certain posts in the Museum,
- and increased leave, including six weeks of fully paid parental leave.
This new contract covers over 130 museum workers, including security officers, facilities workers, museum educators, visitor experience staff, installation employees, and others whose work is the backbone of the museum. The Baltimore Museum of Art Union is part of a national movement of workers that have unionized with AFSCME Maryland in recent years as part of AFSCME’s Cultural Workers United program, including workers at the Walters Art Museum, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Howard County Library System, and the Anne Arundel County Public Library.
"This contract provides many benefits, from a continuing education stipend, to paid parental leave, to reimbursements for workwear, to greater retirement savings contributions, and very importantly, much needed pay increases,” said Leila Grothe, the Associate Curator of Contemporary Art.
"I believe that everyone, everywhere, should unionize. It’s important to remind those in charge that they do not provide the labor that ensures their income and that the rights and wellbeing of those who work under them should be their top priority," said John Young, a Gallery Officer.
"After 18 years working at the BMA, we finally have a voice for raises and protections we never had before, thanks to our first contract," says Mitro Hood, the Senior Photographer.
"BMA staff deserve pay, benefits, and protections that reflect the high quality of the work we do. This institution can’t exist without the support of its workers, and this contract gives us a voice in making sure all employees are rightfully compensated for their labor," says Erin Allen, a Gallery Educator.
"I voted YES on this contract because so many people have worked hard for it. This is a major step for a better today and a better future at the BMA," says Rea Peck, a Visitor Experience Associate.
“After two years at the bargaining table, we are excited to see the Baltimore Museum of Art Union win its first contract. We’re honored to have the members of the Baltimore Museum of Art Union as part of the AFSCME Maryland family because all workers deserve the right to organize for the pay, respect, and better working conditions they deserve, and with this contract, BMA workers are defending and expanding those rights,” said Patrick Moran, President of AFSCME Maryland Council 3.
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About AFSCME Maryland Council 3
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 represents nearly 45,000 public service workers at the local, city, county, state, and higher education levels who provide the valuable public services that our communities rely on. From Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, we make Maryland happen.
