Fabric Workshop & Museum United

Philly Cultural Workers United, Local 397

FWMU began organizing in the fall of 2024, and museum management voluntarily recognized our union in May 2025. The main issues we organized around were low pay, lack of job security, the need for health and safety improvements in the workplace, the need for consistent and predictable scheduling, and greater transparency in museum policies and decision-making. We ratified our first contract in late July 2026.

What We Won

Our Collective Bargaining Agreement grants substantial pay increases, improvements to benefits and leave time, and new rights and protections for everyone in the bargaining unit. Among the victories are:

  • Across the Board Raises. Guaranteed pay raises of 3% for every year of the contract.

  • Longevity Pay Raises. Additional raises to reward staff longevity.

  • Job Protections and Rights. Protections from unjust discipline and firing; limits on subcontractors preforming union work.

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In the Press