SAM VSO Union secures contract

The Seattle Art Museum and its security guard union reached a tentative agreement after a nearly three week-long strike by the workers

SEATTLE, WA (December 12, 2024) — SAM VSO, the union representing security staff at the Seattle Art Museum, announced on Wednesday that a tentative agreement had been reached between the workers and the museum. The SAM VSO bargaining team recommended the deal, which was ratified by the members.

SAM VSO represents the SAM security team: VSOs, or Visitor Service Officers, both part- and full-time. The workers first formed their union in March of 2022, and started bargaining in August of that year.

After more than two years at the bargaining table, the VSOs went on strike on November 29, taking action as concerns about job security, cuts to benefits, and low pay remained unaddressed by the employer at the bargaining table.

SAM VSO members and supporters pose for a photo on the first day of their strike. Photo: SAM VSO Union

“Bargaining a first contract can be a stressful and arduous endeavor for all those involved, but especially so for a scrappy, independent union like the SAM VSO Union,” said the bargaining committee in a statement. “Despite the many challenges we have faced since bargaining commenced over 28 months ago, the Union remained steadfast in its commitment to securing a first contract that our members would be proud of.”

As previously reported in The STAND, VSOs faced multiple hurdles when organizing their union due to federal labor law, ultimately choosing to form an independent union to ensure workers could have union representation.

In this tentative agreement, the union reports many of their demands were met.

“We fought hard at the table to win back the retirement benefit that the VSOs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the union. “We also secured a strong union security clause that will ensure a robust and healthy Union well into the future, but also includes an alternative for those already employed at SAM who may wish to abstain from Union membership.”

The bargaining team reports they were also able to secure wage and benefit improvements far beyond the employer’s initial offer.

“We are appreciative of the compromises that SAM leadership made to get us to where we are today,” the union statement continues. “We will continue to represent and advocate for a strong unionized security department at SAM, and we will continue to fight for improved workplace conditions for us all. ‘When we fight, we win!'”

Learn more about SAM VSO Union at samvsounion.org.