Philadelphia Museum of Art Union
Philly Cultural Workers United, Local 397
In many ways, a PMA Union was long overdue. Stories of harassment and abuse at the PMA in the Philadelphia Inquirer and the New York Times called attention to the long-standing inequities in our institution. Having a union gives us the ability to create a legally binding contract—the only way for us to guarantee real change. That’s why we won our 2020 election in a landslide with 89% of the vote.
We ratified our first Collective Bargaining Agreement after two years of contentious negotiations and a historic 19 day strike. On July 31, 2025, we ratified our second 3-year union contract.
What We Won
Our second Collective Bargaining Agreement grants substantial pay increases, improvements to benefits and leave time, and new rights and protections for everyone in the bargaining unit. Among the victories are:
New Minimum Pay Rates. Raising the minimum pay rate to $18/hour; $19/hour by the end of the contract.
Across the Board Raises. Guaranteed annual raises totaling 9% over the life of the contract.
Longevity Pay Raises. Additional raises to reward staff longevity at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service.
Improved Benefits. 8 weeks of paid parental leave, up from 0 in 2019; PTO usage during new hire probationary period.
Job Protections and Rights. Protections from unjust discipline and firing; the right to an up-to-date job description and ability to take action when the job description does not appropriately describe the work performed.