Uplifting the Voices of Museum Workers
As the autumn chill settles over the City of Brotherly Love, the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) stands as a beacon of cultural richness, housing renowned masterpieces and welcoming visitors from near and far. Yet, beyond the grand marble façade, a powerful movement is unfolding – one that celebrates the union of the museum’s dedicated workforce and the community they serve.
In recent years, the PMA’s employees have banded together, raising their voices to advocate for fair wages, better benefits, and a more transparent, equitable work environment. This grassroots effort, spearheaded by the PMA Union, Local 397 of AFSCME District 4, has sparked a wave of solidarity and empowerment that extends far beyond the museum’s walls.
“The workers of the Philadelphia Museum of Art are Philadelphia’s workers,” says Sarah Shaw, a former PMA museum educator and current organizer with AFSCME District 47. “Improving the working conditions, improving the standard of living, improving benefits, making our workplace more inclusive and more equitable, that is a service not just to the workers of the museum but a service to our community because we are part of Philadelphia.”
Uncovering Inequities and Driving Change
The unionization effort at the PMA has its roots in the pivotal moment when the Art + Museum Transparency spreadsheet was published in 2019. This groundbreaking document allowed museum professionals across the country to share their salary information, shedding light on the stark disparities that existed within and across institutions.
“As we did, inequities became visible,” explains Shaw. “There was salary inequity between men and women filling the exact same position and in benefits for full-time versus part-time employees.”
These revelations galvanized the PMA’s employees, who began to organize and collectively address long-standing concerns. One particularly glaring issue was the lack of a parental leave policy or paid parental leave time – a critical oversight for an institution that prides itself on serving the community.
“Those conversations grew very organically into talking about what we could achieve if we were unionized, what we could achieve through collective action and collective bargaining that we’re not able to achieve as individuals,” says Shaw.
The union’s formation also gained momentum in the wake of reports that the PMA’s leadership had failed to adequately handle cases of sexual harassment and bullying toward staff by former managers. While these incidents were not the sole impetus for unionization, they highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability within the institution.
“We want to improve employee morale by having clear, transparent systems in place that can improve relationships between managers and employees,” says Shaw.
Fostering Solidarity and Community Connections
As the PMA Union’s efforts gained traction, a remarkable transformation unfolded among the museum’s workforce. Employees from various departments – from conservation and curatorial to visitor services and technology – came together, united by a common purpose and a deep appreciation for their shared roles in the institution’s success.
“It’s been really enjoyable to see all these departments get together, while we’re usually quite splintered and sectioned off from each other in various ways,” shares an anonymous worker from the Installations Department. “It’s great! Everyone’s coming together, at least I feel like it. Better than about a week ago or more, I feel everyone’s got a little more fire in them and perhaps a little more positivity due to how much more public it’s getting.”
This newfound camaraderie and sense of community have been particularly empowering for the workers, who have faced the challenge of navigating a strike that has now stretched into its third week. As they brave the elements on the picket line, they find solace in the support and solidarity of their colleagues and the broader Philadelphia community.
“Every day has been a little bit of a revelation for all of us, I think, just witnessing the resolve and dedication and commitment of everyone to continue to come out here day after day to fight for what they deserve,” says Shaw. “Just witnessing the empowerment, the community care, the support for each other.”
Valuing Museum Workers and their Contributions
At the heart of the PMA Union’s fight is a deep-rooted belief that the museum’s human capital – the skilled workers who bring the institution to life – deserves to be recognized and celebrated on par with the prized collections and architectural grandeur.
“Museums would not function without the human labor, and it does not make sense for the heart of a cultural institution to be valued so much less than the collections or the building,” says Shaw.
This sentiment is echoed by the workers themselves, who express a profound love for their jobs and a steadfast commitment to the museum’s mission. One anonymous worker from the Curatorial Department, who has been on the picket line for 16 days, shares their perspective:
“I am repulsed by the museum’s behavior. It’s hard to imagine that these are our colleagues inside. I’m trying to resist the feeling of asking myself how I can ever work with these people again. But I will go back. And frankly, my job is a job I love. It’s a dream position.”
The union’s fight for fair wages, improved benefits, and greater transparency is not just about individual gains but about elevating the value of museum work and ensuring that the PMA’s workforce reflects the diversity of the city it serves.
“Making changes to hiring practices, employee support and promotion, and pay equity will make our workplace more diverse and look more like the city of Philadelphia,” says Shaw. “That is going to make the PMA a more welcoming place to everyone.”
Navigating Challenges and Forging Ahead
As the PMA Union’s negotiations with the museum’s leadership continue, the workers have faced their fair share of challenges. The museum’s decision to hire temporary workers to fill critical roles, such as exhibition installation, has been a source of concern for the striking employees, who worry about the safety and quality of the work being done in their absence.
“They’re sneaking them in somehow or another,” says an anonymous worker from the Installations Department. “And there’s also people who work at the museum who are doing the hanging as well.”
Despite these obstacles, the workers remain resolute in their determination to secure a fair contract that meets their needs and those of the broader community. They take heart in the growing public support for their cause, as evidenced by the honking horns and cheers from passersby on the picket line.
“The short answer is not very far apart, on the order of a few hundred thousand dollars a year, which is such a small amount of money for an institution like this,” says Shaw, offering a glimpse into the ongoing negotiations.
As the strike continues, the PMA Union’s members express a deep commitment to returning to their beloved roles, armed with a renewed sense of purpose and a strengthened bond with their colleagues.
“I think in Conservation we’re going to be fine,” says Bernice, a textile conservator who has been on the picket line for 16 days. “We’re a small department, and I’m really hopeful that we’re going to remain united in doing the good work that we’ve always done.”
Embracing the Future with Optimism
The PMA Union’s fight for a more equitable and transparent workplace is not just a local battle – it is a testament to the power of collective action and the transformative potential of unionization within the museum sector. As these workers stand firm in their convictions, they are inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and assert the value of their labor.
“They are pioneers setting precedent for other groups of workers who might be more willing to take a risk in the future to improve their working conditions,” says Shaw.
Beyond the immediate negotiations, the PMA Union’s impact extends to the community it serves. By ensuring that the museum’s workforce is treated with the respect and dignity it deserves, the union is not only strengthening the institution but also enhancing the cultural experience for all who visit.
“Improving the working conditions, improving the standard of living, improving benefits, making our workplace more inclusive and more equitable, that is a service not just to the workers of the museum but a service to our community because we are part of Philadelphia,” says Shaw.
As the PMA Union continues to forge ahead, the Café Mila community stands in solidarity, celebrating the power of unity and the unwavering commitment of these museum workers to their craft, their colleagues, and their city. Together, they are paving the way for a future where cultural institutions truly reflect the diverse tapestry of the communities they serve, and where the human labor that sustains them is valued and uplifted.
