On September 3, the Philadelphia Security Officers Union, a locally-founded, grassroots, labor organization, filed a petition for union recognition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. These 130 guards want to negotiate with their employer to improve their working conditions. Unfortunately, their employer, AlliedBarton, is beginning a fear campaign to crush their effort. Meanwhile, museum leaders are turning a blind-eye to the intimidation campaign being run on city property. You can help stop this union-busting campaign.
I am writing to express my concern with the campaign of worker intimidation that is taking place at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I am asking you, my City Council Representative, to implore museum leaders to publicly state their opposition to worker intimidation on museum property while the security officers seek union recognition.
I have been hearing a lot about the security guards that protect the Philadelphia Museum of Art. These security guards protect our city's most priceless, cultural treasures. Despite this, they earn wages that are below the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of four.
I have read that they have been trying to improve their working conditions, wages and benefits for almost two years now. They have reached out to museum leaders but have made no progress.
That is why they announced on September 3, 2009 that they want to form a new labor union called the Philadelphia Security Officers Union. They have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board and expect to have a union election for the guards at the museum some time in October. Their employer, AlliedBarton has already held a captive-audience, "mandatory meeting" to pressure guards into silence.
These workers should be able to choose to vote for the union without facing employer harassment. Especially since, according to the Museum's own 2008 Financial Statement, Philadelphia taxpayers waive $171 million each year on the value of the land and building and contribute $5.9 million directly to the museum through our taxes.
My tax money should not be used to intimidate security guards out of using their right to form a union. Unfortunately, these low-waged workers are already being frightened by AlliedBarton on city property!
Please speak up on this issue by sending a letter to the incoming Director of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Timothy Rub, explaining why he needs to set the tone in the museum by telling his sub-contract that he expects them to have a neutral attitude toward workers who are exercising their rights to form a union.
Signed by:
[Your name]
[Your address]
