BALTIMORE – It took two years, but it was worth it.
On Wednesday, workers at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore unanimously voted to ratify their first union contract.
And Karena Ingram couldn’t be happier.
“I’m thrilled that nearly two years of dedication from everyone in our bargaining unit have secured health and safety provisions, wage increases for our members, and benefits that enhance retention and keep the museum competitive,” said Ingram, a digital marketing associate. “It’s an honor to support our colleagues in their essential work of bringing art to our community.”
Walters Workers United, a part of AFSCME Maryland Council 3, reached a tentative agreement in late June. Wednesday’s vote represents a final step towards fair compensation, improved benefits, and stronger workplace protections and rights for the museum’s workers.
The contract runs from July 1 of this year to June 30, 2028. Highlights include:
- More than 13% in raises over the life of the contract;
- Improved health benefits, including a $750 annual health stipend for part-time employees;
- Increased leave, including eight weeks of fully paid parental leave;
- The creation of two oversight committees to address workplace concerns.
The contract covers over 80 museum workers. That includes gallery officers, facility workers, museum educators, visitor experience staff, and others whose work forms the backbone of the museum.
Walters Workers United is part of a national movement of workers that have unionized with AFSCME Maryland in recent years as part of the AFSCME Cultural Workers United campaign. In Maryland alone, workers at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Howard County Library System, and the Anne Arundel County Public Library have all gained a voice at work through AFSCME in recent years.
Will Murray has waited a long time for this moment.
"After 27 going on 28 years at the Walters, I’m ecstatic that this day has finally come. A lot of hard work and give and take by both sides went into the culmination of this contract being agreed upon,” said Murray, the museum’s lead maintenance technician. The Walters is now on par with other progressive institutions who are willing to reward their very deserving employees for their hard work throughout the years with all that this contract will entail.”
Garrett Stralnic, the museum’s public programs coordinator, said the contract will give workers the respect and dignity they deserve.
“This contract brings us substantial increases to base pay and salary, includes step increases along with years of service, and secures yearly cost-of-living increases along with numerous new benefits,” Stralnic said. “This agreement also gives us the power to advocate for the safety protections and respect we deserve. Our hard work is what makes the Walters such a vital part of the Baltimore community.”