Philadelphia Museum of Art Employee Strike Didn’t Need to Happen

I’ve been following the extraordinary strike of workers at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum’s guards have always been unionized. In August 2020, though, 89 percent of the rest of the staff voted to join AFSCME (the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees). The new bargaining unit includes, among others, visitor services, tech, fundraising, marketing, teaching staff as well as conservators, librarians, and curators — everyone with no supervisory role.

Two years later, having no contract and no raises, 99 percent of union members voted to strike, with only one dissenter, according to the union. I hear he’s gone on an indefinite field trip chaperoned by Jimmy Hoffa.

About the Author

Brian T. Allen

Brian T. Allen is National Review’s art critic.

I’ve been following the extraordinary strike of workers at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum’s guards have always been unionized. In August 2020, though, 89 percent of the rest of the staff voted to join AFSCME (the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees). The new bargaining unit includes, among others, visitor services, tech, fundraising, marketing, teaching staff as well as conservators, librarians, and curators — everyone with no supervisory role.

Two years later, having no contract and no raises, 99 percent of union members voted to strike, with only one dissenter, according to the union. I hear he’s gone on an indefinite field trip chaperoned by Jimmy Hoffa.