AFSCME Local 397
Philly Cultural Workers United
The PMA Union is a chapter of AFSCME Local 397 Philly Cultural Workers United. AFSCME Local 397 was established as a local of AFSCME District Council 47 in 2020, with the PMA Union as its first chapter.
Having a local for unionized cultural institutions in our region allows us to pool our resources, share our knowledge, and fight more effectively for the contracts and working conditions we deserve.
Since 2020, Local 397 has welcomed five other unions, three of which are currently fighting for a fair contract. We encourage our members and supporters to follow and support all of our sibling unions.
If you and your coworkers are interested in organizing a new chapter as part of Local 397, please contact 397staff@dc47.org or reach out to District Council 47 directly.
Penn Museum Workers United
Penn Museum Workers United were the second union to join Local 397 in 2021. Learn more about them:
Please Touch Museum United
The third union to join Local 397 was Please Touch Museum United, who won their wall-to-wall election in a landslide in 2023.
Schuylkill Center Staff United
Schuylkill Center Staff United achieved their decisive victory to unionize in the face of management’s blatant union busting efforts. Now, workers are fighting for a fair first contract.
Fabric Workshop & Museum United
Fabric Workshop Museum United agreed to a voluntary recognition process with The Fabric Workshop and Museum, becoming the first group of workers to join Local 397 without an election.
Independence Seaport Museum Workers United
May 7, 2025, workers at the Independence Seaport Museum voted to unionize with a supermajority of 91%, becoming the newest chapter of Philly Cultural Workers United!
Governance
Local 397 is governed by a shared constitution and Executive Board. Each chapter of Local 397 is entitled to a Chapter Chair on the Executive Board once they have ratified their first contract. Meet the current officers of Local 397 here.