Worker-led Independent Labor Union representing Guards at Seattle Art Museum

SiNS 3

SAM VSO Union is holding our third annual Halloween fundraiser event Solidarity is Not Scary on Friday October 23rd from 6-9pm at Parnassus (1520 3rd Ave, Seattle WA) in downtown Seattle!

This year, looking ahead to the conclusion of our first contract at the end of June 2027 and the work we'll need to do in bargaining a new contract, the majority (80% after event costs) of the funds we raise will go towards building a strike fund and paying off our legal fees It's still really important to our members to support other grassroots organizations doing important work in the community, as we did last year by partnering with La Resistencia and Zaytoon UW, so a portion (20% after event costs) will be going to the local King County Immigrants Rights Alliance (KCIRA)! SAM VSO Union stands in solidarity with migrants under attack by ICE / the Trump administration, and we are proud to partner with KCIRA this year ✊

As in previous years, this event will have an art auction featuring art donated by SAM VSOs, other SAM staff (who just this year won union recognition by SAM Workers United, affiliated with AFSCME Council 28 / WFSE), and community members ️ We plan to also feature DJs/live performances if possible and speakers from other community organizations. Costumes are encouraged, thought not mandatory! The most important thing to us is for everyone to show up ready to have a good time, appreciate some worker-created art, and keep the spirit of solidarity alive Hope to see you there!

The big news at Seattle Art Museum right now is SAMWU! Seattle Art Museum Workers United are forming a wall-to-wall union and they need your support. Please head over to https://samworkersunited.org/ and sign their community support letter!

Our Union History

Is short (we started in 2021!), but we’re proud of it. It involves our origins in direct workplace action, and our historic 2024 strike that restored retirement for all workers at SAM. Check out our story in more depth below:

What’s up with the union?

Check out our blog page to read the latest updates from the bargaining room and beyond!