Worker-led Independent Labor Union at Seattle Art Museum
Our Historic Strike Vote
After much consideration and reflection, we decided to conduct a strike vote. The results was overwhelmingly: 96% “yes” votes. The strike will take place after Thanksgiving if we do not reach a contract with SAM with November 29th being our official deadline.
After 26 months of bargaining, the museum has only offered proposals on one of our four core demands: wages, seniority, healthcare, and retirement. We do not take this decision lightly. Not only is this a historically significant event in SAM’s history but it could ultimately change the direction and essence of the relationship between SAM’s employees and administration.
Unfortunately, in response to us beginning a strike vote, the museum has contacted a “third-party security contractor to provide temporary security services in the event of a strike.” We know through solidarity we can achieve a fair contract. We ask the Seattle community to stand with us as we fight for what everyone deserves: a living wage, a pay system that rewards experience, health insurance for all, and a retirement plan that actually allows us to retire.
People Over Profit:
Art as more than a symbol
To keep up the pressure this month, we are holding a rally on November 19! This is a great way to show up and support us as we pressure SAM’s Board of Trustees to offer a fair contract that provides the benefits and wages needed to survive and thrive in Seattle.
Meet us on the corner of 1st & Union St at 4:30PM!
Our union is independent, so until we reach our first contract all of our funding is from donations. This is because union dues are not collected until after the first contract is finished. We are proud to have raised (as of 10/11/23) over 16k dollars via completely grassroots means, but we have already spent it all (and more) on legal funds. If you have the means, donating to our gofundme allows us to have more time consulting with our legal team.
Support us financially
How is bargaining progressing?
Check out our blog page to read the latest updates from the bargaining room and beyond!
Our Union History
In short (we started in 2021!), but we’re proud of it. It involves our origins in direct workplace action, and continues currently with the fight for our first contract. Check out our story in more depth below: