Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) Director Timothy Rub had remained neutral in the unionizing effort of AlliedBarton security services guards posted at the Museum. Yesterday, however, union activists who were lobbying members of Philadelphia City Council were surprised and excited to find out that Museum leadership had declared its support for the union in a written statement to City Councilman At-Large, William K. Greenlee.
“We were making the rounds and were getting a lot of positive feedback when Councilman Greenlee caught us in the hallway and showed us the letter,” said Walter Lunsford, AlliedBarton employee and activist in the independent Philadelphia Security Officers Union (PSOU).
“We couldn’t believe it. We look forward to working with Mr. Rub to improve museum security and working conditions,” Lunsford said.
The letter to Councilman Greenlee called on AlliedBarton to, “respect the majority of the security officers and bargain in good faith with the PSOU for the guards assigned to work at the Museum.”
The union’s recent lobbying efforts were to have Philadelphia City Council withhold $2.3 million in Mayor Nutter’s proposed budget pending the workers’ desire to have a voice on the job.
The union reports that the City Council effort to draw attention to AlliedBarton’s workers rights abuses and low security standards started a month ago. Councilman At-Large, William K Greenlee, who lives near the Museum and has been involved in promoting the arts for years, led an effort to recruit City Councilpeople into the unions cause.
The Museum is the latest institution to urge AlliedBarton to negotiate improvements in the workplace. The Federal Government has recommended recognition of the union along with local community and religious organizations.
The Museum’s questioning of AlliedBarton’s standards follows on the heals of controversy about the company’s standards at Swarthmore University and the tabling of a proposed AlliedBarton contract by the Northumberland County Commissioners in March.
Although union activists say they value the letter of support from the Museum, they will continue in their push to gain a voice on the job. They say that taxpayer money should not be spent to abuse the rights of working Philadelphians, and intend to draw attention to AlliedBarton’s harmful practices on Monday, when City Council discusses the Museum’s funding.
“AlliedBarton isn’t doing all they can to properly train guards to do their jobs,” Said Cecilia Lynch, Museum guard and Philadelphia Security Officers Union Treasurer.
“Their customers are supporting our proposals.” Said Lynch
“AlliedBarton is a tough company to deal with for us and the Museum. We just hope that Mr. Rub is ready to do everything in his power to enhance museum safety and improve the wages and benefits of the workers, even if that means finding another security company.” Said Fabricio Rodriguez, Lead Coordinator of the union.
The union plans to have a rally at city hall at 2:30 on April 12 to coincide with the Museum’s budget hearing.
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