Contact: Chelsey Engel, cengel@usw.org, (412) 212-8173
United Steelworkers (USW) members at the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh today overwhelmingly ratified their first contract after holding strong through 18 months of negotiations with their employer.
The contract covers approximately 500 workers across the four Carnegie Museums and sets a $16/hour living wage floor, one of the members’ top priorities. The majority of workers will see immediate raises ranging from 15-35 percent.
USW International President Tom Conway said the contract is an important first step for the workers who stood together to reach the agreement.
“These workers should be incredibly proud of this win,” Conway said. “This kind of solidarity is what makes us all stronger.”
District 10 Director Bernie Hall also praised the workers for their steadfastness throughout the long campaign.
“This agreement is a major accomplishment not just for these members but for the region’s entire nonprofit sector,” Hall said. “Everyone deserves a living wage and a voice on the job, and these folks understood that from the start.”
The agreement also includes the establishment of a health and safety committee, anti-discrimination and seniority language, and increased sick time for part-time workers.
“This contract demonstrates what’s possible when workers organize and bargain collectively,” said Jenise Brown, a part-time educator at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. “This is only the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what we all can accomplish together in the future.”
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.