Recent News
New report reveals cultural institutions laid off thousands of workers despite receiving over a billion in pandemic relief
October 4, 2021
A report by AFSCME Cultural Workers United (CWU), “Cultural Institutions Cashed In, Workers Got Sold Out,” finds that cultural workers with union representation were more protected from workforce reductions and better able to negotiate for safe working conditions.
Philadelphia museum workers overwhelmingly vote to form a union
August 18, 2020
It wasn’t easy, but workers at the Philadelphia Museum of Art persisted – and now have their own union.
AFSCME Council 36 reaches settlement with owners of shuttered art foundation
July 22, 2020
The decision comes following months of negotiations and in response to the museum’s sudden closure in November 2019, just three days after employees informed management of their intent to unionize and join AFSCME.
Philadelphia Museum of Art staffers seek to unite through AFSCME
June 8, 2020
Workers want to make sure that the museum, when it reopens, serves the best interests of not just visitors and the community, but also of its workers.
Cultural Trust Restores Union’s Legal Services
February 3, 2020
Beginning March 1, DC 37 will resume offering legal services to members employed at and who have retired from New York City’s cultural institutions.
MOCA will voluntarily recognize new employee union; Marciano closure is permanent
December 6, 2019
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles said Friday that it would voluntarily recognize a new union formed by more than 100 visitor services employees.
Local 1559 Members Win Promotions and Pay Hike at American Museum of Natural History
December 6, 2019
DC 37 resolved pay disputes and retention issues for three members of Local 1559 after the management of the American Museum of Natural History agreed to promote the Preparators and pay them $27,000 collectively.
The World’s Largest Library: Powered by AFSCME Members
September 23, 2019
Join Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride and AFSCME Local 2910 Chief Steward David Fernández-Barrial on a behind-the-scenes tour of the library, featuring exclusive items from its Rare Books and Special Collections Division.
Celebrating Black History Month: Touring Washington, D.C.’s Murals
February 26, 2019
In this video, Washington, D.C. library education specialist Toni White-Richardson takes us on a tour of some incredible murals depicting African-Americans who played key roles in our nation’s history.