Contact: Cheyenne Schoen, cschoen@usw.org, (412) 562-2446
Pittsburgh – Workers at The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union, solidifying their commitment to securing better working conditions.
The newly formed unit consists of approximately 100 employees, including café staff, maintenance and housekeeping teams, groundskeepers, gift store and visitor center associates, gallery attendants, museum experience associates, docents, educators, curators, and others vital to the museum's operations.
The workers are eager to negotiate a contract that addresses key issues such as job security, fair wages, health insurance, understaffing, and respect in the workplace.
“We are the backbone of this institution, and we're excited to finally have a voice in shaping our work environment, our pay, and our benefits,” said John Payne, a groundskeeper at The Frick.
The unionization efforts began last winter, with the group announcing its intent to file for a union election on July 31.
The Frick Museums are set on the grounds of historic buildings once occupied by steel magnate Henry Clay Frick, who was infamous for his anti-union stance, notably during the Battle of Homestead, where many striking steelworkers lost their lives.
“This is a historic and symbolic victory for the labor movement, as we unionize in the very house of Henry Clay Frick, a notorious opponent of unions,” Payne continued. “In a way, this is retribution for the workers who died at Homestead.”
The USW also represents more than 500 museum employees across Pittsburgh’s four Carnegie Museums, which, as of last year, constituted the largest museum union in the United States.
“It’s an honor to welcome the dedicated staff of The Frick Museums to our union,” said Bernie Hall, USW District 10 director. “These workers are essential to providing a welcoming and enriching environment at this important cultural and historical institution. We are confident that the visitor experience will only improve as these workers gain a stronger voice at the negotiating table.”
The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.
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