Saunders: Philadelphia Museum of Art Workers win a fair deal, ‘showed us all how it’s done’
WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after Pennsylvania Museum of Art Workers Union announced a tentative agreement had been reached:
“After more than two years fighting for a fair contract and nearly three weeks on strike, Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) workers have finally reached a fair deal that treats them with the respect and dignity they deserve. Sticking together in the face of union busters, scabs and stonewalling from management, PMA workers showed us all how it’s done.“Solidarity was the key to success. In June, the entire labor movement rallied on the PMA steps to show their support. And again in July, over 2,000 AFSCME members turned out at the museum to show PMA workers we had their back. Since going on strike, support has poured in from union members, local businesses and elected officials at the local and state level who showed up on the picket line to demand a fair contract.“This victory today is an example of what happens when workers come together in a union to demand better wages, fair treatment and respect on the job. This is why cultural workers at museums, libraries and zoos across the country have started a wave of worker organizing that’s taking hold of the industry, and we’re proud that they’re part of the AFSCME family.”