More than a year after forming their union, members of the Academy Museum Workers Union (AMWU) have ratified their first union contract, guaranteeing a stronger voice on the job and better wages.

In May 2022, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures workers announced their intent to form a Union with AFSCME District Council 36, citing wage discrepancies, inadequate responses to COVID-19 outbreaks, and being asked to perform tasks outside their job description as just a few reasons. “I knew there were specific changes that needed to happen to keep my immediate coworkers safe, healthy, and solvent,” said Cheryl Jones, a visitor experience associate at the Academy Museum. “We hadn’t had a raise in more than a year of service with no prospect of one on the horizon, but after attending my first [union] informational meeting and hearing one of our museum curator’s stories, I knew then it was important to stand up for everyone and demand better conditions.”

AMWU members are the face of the museum. They guide visitors through the exhibits, answer questions, provide customer service, provide a safe environment, and much more. They love what they do and want to improve the museum not just for themselves but for the community they serve as well. This first contract significantly improves working conditions so that AMWU members can continue to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

The 3-year contract, which was approved by a 98.6% vote on September 22, includes a good deal of workplace improvements such as 15 days of personal time off for new employees, 10.5 paid holidays, plus 4 additional paid days off in the winter and three additional paid days off in the summer, and stipends for work clothing, formal wear, and steel toed boots.

The new contract also includes impressive wage increases. The minimum starting rate will increase to $20. Members will also receive a 3% wage increase each year of the contract. Additionally, members will receive a 2% step increase once they reach 2, 4, and 7 years of employment in their respective classifications.

For Sarah Stearn, a retail sales associate at the Academy Museum, language about immigration is one of the most impressive wins in this contract. The article protects employees from discrimination based on their immigration status. It also protects employees from being disciplined if the Museum has received notice of an immigration proceeding involving that employee. “Our contract is one of very few union contracts that includes an article on immigration,” said Stearn. “It’s a sticky topic since immigration law in the US is [expletive] on a stick but we felt it was necessary to protect all our bargaining unit employees, so we fought for it.”

For many AMWU members, a union contract finally gives them job security and a voice on the job. “A union contract is peace of mind,” said Stearn. “It's job security. It's a safety net but more than that, it's the knowledge that I'm not alone. I am part of a community. A team. The museum team. Academy Museum Workers United.”