Workers at museums, libraries, zoos are Unionizing.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, workers at museums, libraries, zoos and other cultural institutions across the United States are demanding a seat at the table and a voice in boosting pay, improving workplace safety and equity and resolving other longstanding issues exacerbated by the pandemic. Last year, they increasingly turned to AFSCME’s Cultural Workers United campaign to build power, making 2021 a year of remarkable success for CWU.

“Public service workers at museums, libraries, zoos, science centers and aquariums are the stewards of cherished community resources,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “For too long, these cultural workers have been underpaid and undervalued, with little ability to raise their voice on the job. But now, there is a nationwide movement of cultural workers standing up to demand the power and protections of a union – and they are finding a home with AFSCME.”