Baltimore Museum of Industry Workers Join Teamsters Local 570 Union

The Facts -

  • Museum workers join Teamsters Local 570 for better pay and stability.
  • The union includes 30 staff from various museum departments.
  • Union aims to address issues and expand representation in museums.


20250128-BaltimoreMuseumJoin

Museum Staff Secure Union Representation for Better Working Conditions

The Baltimore Museum of Industry has become the latest cultural institution to see its workers join a union. Employees voted to become part of Teamsters Local 570, aiming to improve their wages and achieve more reliable work hours.

"It is difficult to make ends meet with low wages and inconsistent schedules," noted Zella Roberts, a museum educator who spearheaded the unionization initiative. "We need better conditions and part-time staff need health care."

This move affects 30 employees across various departments, such as education, facilities, front desk, events, and marketing.

Sean Cedenio, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 570, highlighted the importance of the museum staff's role in maintaining Baltimore’s cultural heritage. “The museum staff play a critical role in enriching Baltimore’s culture and preserving its history. We will address head-on the issues that affect these dedicated workers,” he stated.

Joining the ranks of Glenstone Museum, where workers unionized in June 2024, the Baltimore Museum of Industry reflects a growing trend of cultural institutions in Maryland organizing with the Teamsters.

Peter Finn, Director of the Teamsters Public Services and Health Care Division, shared, “The workers who run and operate these museums deserve the fairness and respect that their valuable work calls for. The Teamsters look forward to growing density at museums and nonprofits nationwide and helping workers secure the union representation they need.”

Despite being a prominent nonprofit organization with assets totaling $4.56 million, the Baltimore Museum of Industry initially resisted union efforts by hiring a union-busting firm. This is in contrast to its recent exhibition showcasing unionization efforts in the region.

Teamsters Local 570 serves diverse industries across Baltimore and its neighboring areas. To learn more, visit their official site at team570.org.

---
Read More USA Works News