SEATTLE, Wash. — Seattle Art Museum (SAM) security staff are officially on strike. About two dozen workers marched outside the museum Friday, chanting and waving signs.
According to a release from the worker-led union, the Visitor Service Officers are demanding a ‘living wage, a pay system that rewards experience, and health insurance for all.’ The union also wants changes made to the retirement plans being offered.
“As of right now, folks can work at the museum for 20 years and they still make the same amount of money as somebody who starts on the first day,” Josh Davis, a union member, told KIRO 7.
The union says it’s been at the bargaining table for 27 months and the museum has only offered proposals on one of the four demands. After little progress, union members voted in October to authorize a strike if a deal wasn’t reached by Nov. 29.
The result? An overwhelming 96% voted ‘yes.’ In response to the strike, the union says the museum is working with a third-party security contractor to provide temporary service.
KIRO 7 reached out to the Seattle Art Museum regarding the strike. They sent us a statement that reads in part:
“We are disappointed with this outcome. We put forward a strong package that compensates union members at market-leading rates and reflects our values as a non-profit institution.
During the bargaining process, SAM has meaningfully increased our compensation offer three times, on 10/30/23, 2/20/24 and 10/16/24, ultimately resulting in an overall wage increase of more than 18 percent over the life of the contract.
The contract the union has rejected also includes 43 tentative agreements on important benefits and contract elements that address matters unique to the security officers at SAM, including:
• A healthy third shift differential
• Annual shoe stipend
• Uniform needs and support
• Paid time for orienting new employees
• Paid at-rate training time
• Paid parking for our third shift staff
The comprehensive proposal we put forward on October 31 was SAM’s last, best and final offer—meaning it reflects the best benefits we can offer. We simply cannot do more.”
The museum says that the strike will not change the terms of their proposal and that the package will remain on the table for ratification until Dec. 20.
“We are proud of our offer and proud of the people represented by the VSO Union. We are ready to implement the strong benefits included in the proposal. Now, the ball is in their court,” the museum said.