‘Eager to get to work’: Workers at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh vote to form union

Workers at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh this week voted “overwhelmingly” to organize with the United Steelworkers, the union said.

The 65 newly unionized workers include museum educators, events staff, exhibit technicians, cleaning and retail associates, visitor services professionals, and more, according to USW.

“We are thrilled to become USW members and are eager to get to work bargaining a first contract that ensures museum staff can continue to support Pittsburgh’s youngest learners,” said Annette Mihalko, an educator at the museum. “We’re extremely proud that the Children’s Museum was recently voted among the top museums in the country, and we know that’s in large part because of the work we do day in and day out. We look forward to having a seat at the table and a voice in the decisions that impact our workplace.”

The museum workers went public with their organizing drive in March, saying that they wanted a voice in improving workplace health and safety, increased patron satisfaction and more transparent communication.

Museum leaders issued a statement after the vote. “Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is focused on providing joy, curiosity, creativity and kindness to children and families that visit our museum, and we are grateful for the staff and colleagues that bring that mission to life,” said Max Pipman, a spokesperson for the Children’s Museum. “We are in ongoing contact with the National Labor Relations Board to have open, meaningful and productive negotiations that continue to provide all employees with the best possible working environment.”

“It’s an honor to welcome the dedicated employees of the Children’s Museum to our union,” said Bernie Hall, director of USW in Pennsylvania. “Every day, children and families from across our region rely on these workers to provide a safe, welcoming atmosphere for children to learn and play. We know the patron experience will only be enhanced as workers are able to have a voice on the job and a say in their working conditions.”

The unionization effort at the Children’s Museum is just the latest in a recent run of museum workers organizing locally.  

Last year, more than 500 workers at Pittsburgh’s four Carnegie Museums agreed to their first contract. Those workers, also represented by USW, make up the largest union of museum workers in the country.