Thank You for Your Support!
Thank You for Your Support!
Welcome to the SAM VSO Union Public Campaigns Page! Your valuable contributions empower us to advocate tirelessly for the rights and well-being of our workers, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive SAM where all employees and visitors thrive.
To better support us, we ask you to sign our letter of support below. This will solidify our connections with other museum members and offer SAM insight into our commitment to our Seattle community. We also encourage you to explore our webpage, where you can find our social media pages, contribute financially, and stay updated on future actions and updates. Thank you for being a part of our community and your continued support!
***Disclaimer: Your email address WILL be visible to the recipients.***
Once the email pops up on your computer/phone, please add your name after the “Sincerely,” line. Also, feel free to add your own word after the last body paragraph.
Seattle Art Museum,
I am sending this letter to express my support for the SAM VSO Union in their goal to help shape SAM into the progressive and ethical institution it has the potential to be. This includes and is not limited to, the fair negotiation of a living contract with the Seattle Art Museum.
While there have been notable increases in the wage portion of the Union’s asks, I encourage the museum to consider and review the policies on Seniority, Health Insurance, and Retirement. Fair seniority raises, comprehensive health insurance and robust retirement contributions are essential for the well-being and retention of exemplary employees.
The SAM VSO Union has consistently dedicated themselves to an equitable, democratic process. Still, it has often been curtailed by false transparency commitments and attempts at unit division by the museum's management and bargaining team. It is clear that progress and true transparency are only obtained through the union's actions and voiced support from their community members, like myself.
The statement by CEO Scott Stulen on behalf of the Board of Trustees that the museum intends to hire external security if a strike were to take place is blatant union busting. An institution that touts building communities should not obstruct their workers' right to vote democratically. This intimidation tactic which aims to sway the strike vote outcome before voting has ended is egregious. I stand with the SAM VSO Union and call upon the museum’s leadership to engage in fair and transparent negotiations that reflect the values of equity and respect for its vital security employees.
Sincerely,