Seattle Art Museum Workers Unionize in Landslide NLRB Election

Employees at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) have overwhelmingly voted to form a union, with 94% of 103 eligible voters—totaling 97—supporting the creation of Seattle Art Museum Workers United (SAMWU). This new union will represent over 130 workers, both full-time and part-time, across SAM's three locations: the main museum, the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park. It will cover 21 departments, including curation and education. The push for unionization began in May with a letter to Director and CEO Scott Stulen, citing issues like low pay and poor healthcare. After SAM denied voluntary recognition, a National Labor Relations Board election took place. SAMWU is affiliated with the Washington Federation of State Employees and aims to negotiate better wages and benefits. SAM has agreed to respect the election results and will bargain in good faith. Following a significant strike in 2024 that led to a pay increase, SAMWU spokesperson Gillian Fulford is hopeful this will set a positive precedent for museum workers.