WHEREAS:

Cultural workers have long been expected to “pay their dues” and work for low pay, insufficient benefits and irregular work schedules in an industry that does not respect their voice, experience or education; and

WHEREAS:

Cultural workers who work at museums, libraries, zoos and other institutions are joining together in unprecedented numbers to negotiate for better pay and working conditions and to demand equity and transparency in their workplaces; and

WHEREAS:

Organizing activity in museums and libraries taking place prior to the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a movement across the country when the realities of being unorganized in the desperation of the pandemic hit home. AFSCME was there to support that movement; and

WHEREAS:

More cultural workers are organized with AFSCME than any other union, including 10,000 museum workers at 91 cultural institutions in the public and private sector, and more than 25,000 library workers at 275 public and private libraries, totaling more than 35,000 workers across the country; and

WHEREAS:

Cultural Workers United has built upon the collective strength and power of all cultural workers by connecting organized and unorganized institutions and supporting the efforts of unorganized workers to win recognition and build their locals. This work has resulted in thousands of workers in dozens of institutions demanding and winning a seat at the table.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

The national union will continue to support the Cultural Workers United campaign with resources and by coordinating organizing efforts across the country; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

AFSCME councils and locals are urged to reach out to unorganized cultural workers and encourage them to join Cultural Workers United; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

ASFCME councils and locals will support unorganized cultural workers by fighting alongside them to overcome employer opposition to their efforts to secure a union in their workplace.

SUBMITTED BY:
Catherine Scott, President
Robert Harris, Recording Secretary
AFSCME District Council 47
Pennsylvania