Timeline

Workers also extend an invitation to the museum’s Board of Trustees to meet and discuss the current state of WWU’s unionization efforts.

Meanwhile, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott issues another letter to The Walters' Board of Trustees affirming support for WWU and requesting the museum consider the variety of options available for union recognition. 

Workers leaflet outside of the museum and educate donors about the ongoing labor dispute with management.

During the hearing, which was held through the Baltimore City Circuit Court, lawyers for Walters Workers United emphasized the importance of the MPIA in holding public institutions and entities like The Walters Art Museum accountable. Citing ample evidence proving The Walters’ status as a government entity, including the museum’s IRS filings and grant forms, WWU asserted that the museum must comply with any MPIA requests since it has long identified itself as a public institution.

In January 2023, legislation that would grant collective bargaining rights to Walters Art Museum employees was introduced in the Maryland General Assembly.

House Bill 116 and Senate Bill 284 would allow us to certify our union by verifying majority support through signed union cards or by secret ballot election, which would be overseen by the Baltimore City Labor Commissioner, a neutral third party.

On March 27, representatives of Walters Workers United (WWU) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union officials met with Walters Art Museum Executive Director Julia Marciari-Alexander and reached an agreement that would resolve a nearly two-year impasse between workers and management over union recognition.

Walters Workers United's union election will be held in spring 2023.

After over 2 years of fighting for union recognition, workers vote 60-5 in favor of Walters Workers United. Their union will officially be represented by AFSCME Council 3.