Columbus Museum of Art employees overwhelmingly vote for their union - Join AFSCME Ohio Council 8
CMAUW (Columbus Museum of Art Workers United) win union election
(Columbus, OH) The Columbus Museum of Art employees have overwhelmingly voted to join AFSCME Ohio Council 8 and have won their union - Columbus Museum of Art Workers United (CMAWU). The Columbus Museum of Art employees are part of a wave of museum employees organizing across the country including art museums in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. The Columbus Museum of Art will be the first museum with union employees in the Columbus region.
“It's a great day, and we are excited to take the next step in this journey with our CMA union family. We look forward to working with our management and administration to make our workplace more equitable while continuing to maintain the flagship cultural institution CMA has always been.” Lead Event Captain for Special Events and CMAWU member Dani Rand.
CMA Workers United members would like to thank the many community and political leaders who provided constant support throughout the organizing process. The union was appreciative of the endorsements from all three Franklin County Commissioners, Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin, and City Council member Robert Dorans. CMAWU members were also thankful for the backing of the community which included hundreds of people nationwide who signed a petition in favor of the union’s efforts. RG Barton, Visitor Engagement Floor Lead with CMA, was grateful for the immediate and positive response.
“It’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience to be part of our union campaign, and I know it's because the Columbus Museum of Art is an important part of this city’s community. I built really strong relationships not just with my coworkers but also with the community who have stood with us throughout this process. We hope they will continue to stand with us as we begin negotiating our contract.”
Union members hope to begin the negotiation process with the museum’s administration as soon as possible.
