SAM VSO reject offer, set to strike

Seattle Art Museum has walked away from talks as November 29 strike deadline looms

The following is from SAM VSO Union:

SEATTLE, WA (November 26, 2024) — With a five-day vote, held through anonymous ballots through the web election service Electionbuddy, VSOs voted overwhelmingly 89% to refuse the museum’s first last, best, and final offer as the vote closed on November 17th. 

The final vote count was 55, with 48 no votes, 6 yes votes, and 1 abstain. This is a percentage of 89% no votes. These numbers reflect the steadfastness of the union, as it has withstood 2 years of union-busting. 

The union has set a strike deadline of November 29th. The union will go on strike if a contract is not reached by then. 

Photo: SAM VSO Union

After two years of delays by SAM, the union forced a first official last, best, and final offer from SAM by voting to strike, which members rejected by 89%. The museum has responded to their workers’ organized and democratic demands by leaving the bargaining table.

SAM’s CEO Scott Stulen sent our union an email on Wednesday (11/20/24) stating: “We have no choice but to step back from the bargaining table at this time.” 

He also issued an ultimatum before they removed agreed-to terms in the offer. “This package will remain on the table for ratification until December 20. After that date, we can no longer guarantee all wage increases included in the current proposal and will adjust accordingly.”

Giving only one official offer, ignoring their workers’ vote, and giving an ultimatum is not negotiating. 

The VSOs are not excited to strike, as we already live on poverty wages in a city whose cost of living only continues to escalate. It will be a struggle. However, we know that for the future of ourselves and all employees at SAM, we will have to use every tool we can if SAM does not promptly deliver the benefits we need. 

Previously at The STAND — SAM VSO Union authorizes strike