Walters Art Museum workers unanimously ratify first union contract

Agreement includes more than 13% in raises, improved benefits, and stronger workplace rights for museum workers 

Baltimore — On Wednesday, July 23, workers at the Walters Art Museum unanimously voted to ratify their first union contract. After nearly two years of negotiations with museum management, Walters Workers United, AFSCME Maryland Council 3, reached a tentative agreement in late June. Wednesday’s vote represents a final step towards fair compensation, improved benefits, and stronger workplace protections and rights for the museum’s workers. 

Highlights of the new contract include: 

• Over 13% in raises over the life of the contract, 
• Improved health benefits, including a $750 annual health stipend for part-time employees, 
• Increased leave, including eight weeks of fully paid parental leave, 
• And the establishment of two oversight committees dedicated to addressing workplace concerns. 
• This new contract covers over 80 museum workers, including gallery officers, facility workers, museum educators, visitor experience staff, and others whose work is the backbone of the museum.  

Walters Workers United 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 Baltimore Museum of Art, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Howard County Library System, and the Anne Arundel County Public Library.  

“I’m thrilled that nearly two years of dedication from everyone in our bargaining unit have secured health and safety provisions, wage increases for our members, and benefits that enhance retention and keep the museum competitive. It’s an honor to support our colleagues in their essential work of bringing art to our community,” said Karena Ingram, the Digital Marketing Associate at the museum. 

"After 27 going on 28 years at the Walters, I’m ecstatic that this day has finally come. A lot of hard work and give and take by both sides went into the culmination of this contract being agreed upon. The Walters is now on par with other progressive institutions who are willing to reward their very deserving employees for their hard work throughout the years with all that this contract will entail,” said Will Murray, the Lead Maintenance Technician at the museum. 

“This contract brings us substantial increases to base pay and salary, includes step increases along with years of service, and secures yearly cost-of-living increases along with numerous new benefits. This agreement also gives us the power to advocate for the safety protections and respect we deserve. Our hard work is what makes the Walters such a vital part of the Baltimore community,” said Garrett Stralnic, the Public Programs Coordinator at the museum. 

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About AFSCME Maryland Council 3
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 represents nearly 50,000 public service workers in local, city, county and state government as well as in higher education and the private sector who provide the valuable public services that our communities rely on. From Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, we make Maryland happen.