For Immediate Release

Contact: Nick Voutsinos
Email: nvoutsinos@afscme.org

AFSCME’s Saunders: International Museum Day comes as cultural workers across the country are making a stand

WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement recognizing International Museum Day:

“Many people have cherished stories about the trips they took to museums and what they learned about themselves and the world. Museum and cultural workers make those moments happen. They preserve history and art, teach us about science, and inspire creativity and innovation. Over the past five years, they have also led a wave of labor organizing that is changing and improving what it means to be a museum worker.

“This year, workers at the Denver Art Museum formed Colorado’s first-ever museum union with a goal of reducing unsustainable staff turnover. And the movement continues to grow in Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York, where cultural workers have won 40 union elections covering 4,400 workers, with the most recent victory at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago in April. These passionate and dedicated professionals join the ranks of AFSCME’s Cultural Workers United, which is now 40,000 members strong in more than 25 states.

“With union momentum on their side, cultural workers are ensuring that these beloved institutions remain accessible to everyone in our communities. That is cause for celebration on this International Museum Day.”

###

AFSCME’s 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families. 

AFSCME’s 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.

###
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
1625 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-5687
Telephone: (202) 429-1145
Fax: (202) 429-1120

Recent Press Releases

  • Who turned the Knicks championship into a celebration? AFSCME members, that’s who

    AFSCME members made sure New York was ready to celebrate the Knicks’ historic championship.

  • One year after the ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ what’s next is up to us

    When we stand together, we decide what our collective future looks like. 

  • AFSCME members who keep Ohio theater running ratify first contract unanimously

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – After a unanimous vote, workers at Gateway Film Center in Columbus ratified their first union contract this month. This victory comes after Gateway Film…

  • Corrections staff pass vote of no confidence in NM warden, seek his replacement

    AFSCME corrections officers who work at a New Mexico prison are demanding that the county remove the warden.