Mystic Seaport Museum Workers Seek Union for Job Security and Voice

Employees at Mystic Seaport Museum Push for Unionization

In a move to gain more influence over their working conditions and the future of Mystic Seaport Museum, the employees are seeking to form a union with AFSCME Council 4. Mystic Seaport, renowned as one of the premier maritime museums in the United States, is at the center of this unionization effort.

On March 20, a union petition was filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) by Council 4 to represent the museum’s workforce. In a press release, Council 4 expressed their support, stating, “We are honored to stand alongside these dedicated professionals as they exercise their right to organize and secure a meaningful voice in their workplace.”

Mystic Seaport Museum, recently recognized by USA Today readers as one of the top museums in the country, relies on its staff to educate the public about America’s maritime legacy and to maintain its collection of ships and artifacts. However, despite their pivotal role, employees have expressed concerns about job stability, healthcare affordability, and wages that accurately reflect their skills.

These concerns have been exacerbated by the museum administration's recent decisions to implement layoffs and cut back on visitor programs without addressing staff questions regarding the museum’s financial situation. According to Council 4, these actions have negatively impacted both the visitor experience and the museum's long-term reputation.

Ashley Giordano, a docent at the museum and a leading figure in the unionization effort, emphasized the need for change: “Mystic Seaport Museum is a great place to work, but it could be an incredible place to work. We need more protections for our staff and a voice to ensure the museum continues to be a place that visitors want to go to.”

Giordano highlighted the unique value that workers bring to the museum, stating, “Time and time again, that is what visitors say they value the most. I believe the way to keep a dedicated workforce at the Mystic Seaport Museum is to unionize.”

By forming a union, employees aim to contribute to the museum's recovery and growth, enhance programming, and foster a collaborative environment with the administration. Council 4 hopes for the museum’s neutrality regarding the unionization process, stating, “We hope that the Mystic Seaport Museum will (stay neutral) and recognize the right of these workers to organize rather than pursue a divisive campaign.”

This initiative is part of a broader movement, with over 50,000 workers in cultural institutions across the United States having already joined the AFSCME Cultural Workers United campaign, making it the largest of its kind nationally.