Children’s Museum Workers Vote to Join USW

For Immediate Release: April 24, 2024
Contact: Jenn Wood, [email protected], 412-562-1160

PITTSBURGH - Workers at The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh today voted overwhelmingly to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union.

"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 65 newly unionized workers serve as educators, events staff, cleaning associates, exhibits technicians, retail associates, visitor services professionals and more. The workers announced their intent to organize last month at a public event in Allegheny Commons Park West, citing their desire weigh in on critical issues like improved workplace health and safety, greater patron satisfaction and more transparent communication.

"It's an honor to welcome the dedicated employees of The Children's Museum to our union," said Bernie Hall, USW District 10 director. "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 USW also represents more than 500 museum employees at all four of Pittsburgh's Carnegie Museums. As of last year, the Carnegie employees were the largest museum union in the United States.

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

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