Seattle Art Museum (SAM) security guards have finally reached a tentative agreement with the institution, bringing an end to a 12-day strike that began on November 29. The SAM Visitor Service Officer (VSO) Union’s 59 security guards voted overwhelmingly to ratify their first union contract with the museum, securing a raise in base wages from $21.68 to $24.18 that will take effect starting next month. This agreement comes after over two years of stalled negotiations and nearly two weeks of strike action.
Andi Berkbigler, a security guard for over five years, expressed the necessity of taking the strike action, stating, “When there was no further movement that was going to happen in the bargaining room is when we had to take it to the streets.” The SAM VSO Union successfully restored pre-pandemic employer 403(b) retirement contributions, starting at 1% and rising to 3% after three years, a significant victory for the union.
Before workers began organizing in 2021, the museum’s hourly wage for security workers was $17.69. With the new agreement, wages will have increased by 37% since the beginning of organizing. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Living Wage Calculator, an adult in Seattle must earn $28.70 to support themselves, and $49.50 for an adult with one child.
Josh Davis, a SAM security guard for 11 years, highlighted the prolonged contract delays by SAM, stating that negotiations had reached a breaking point, leading workers to take drastic measures. The union’s demands included higher wages, seniority pay, a union security agreement, better healthcare, and retirement matching.
SAM VSO Union raised over $28,000 on GoFundMe to support its workers through the strike. The workers also achieved a union-security agreement, making the bargaining unit a “union shop,” ensuring that new security hires will have to automatically join the union and pay dues.
Scott Stulen, SAM’s Director and CEO, expressed satisfaction with the new contract, stating, “This contract addresses the unique working conditions of VSOs and the important services they provide while maintaining our commitment to equity across the staff.” The union’s efforts began in solidarity with the unhoused community, opposing the implementation of hostile architecture by the museum.
While the first contract falls short of a livable wage and seniority pay, it marks a significant gain in the union’s status at the museum. Berkbigler reflected on the mixed emotions surrounding the agreement, stating, “I was a little stunned that anything could happen after all this time.” The agreement signifies a step forward for the security guards at SAM and sets a precedent for future negotiations.
