Milwaukee Art Museum and IAMAW United Lodge 66 Agree on First Union Contract

The three-year contract was ratified by a vote of unionized staff on December 22.

Milwaukee, Wis. – December 22, 2022 – The first contract agreement between the Milwaukee Art Museum and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) was ratified by a vote of unionized staff on Tuesday, December 22, 2022. 

Museum staff and representatives of the union met 30 times over the course of 12 months and discussed a wide range of topics and opportunities to further support the unionized staff of the Museum. 

“This agreement is the result of constructive negotiations and good faith on both sides and we are excited by the ways these changes will support the work of our talented employees,” said Marcelle Polednik, Donna and Donald Baumgartner Director, Milwaukee Art Museum. “The well-being and effectiveness of our staff is essential to advancing the mission and impact we make in the lives of our community here in Milwaukee. This contract ensures the sustainability of that effort into the future and enhances our ability to better support our employees.”  

The three-year contract covers 50 full-time and 35 part-time Museum employees in departments including Art Preparation, Conservation, Curatorial, Design, Development, Education, Facilities, Food & Beverage, Information Systems, Library, Marketing, Registrar, Museum Store, and Visitor Services. 

Museum employees voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers United Lodge 66, Milwaukee, on November 16, 2020.