Independence Seaport Museum Workers United

Philly Cultural Workers United, Local 397

Like many unions, Independence Seaport Museum Workers United formed after repeated organizing fits and starts. Workers attempted to organize in the spring of 2023, but seasonal hiring and precarious job security complicated their efforts.

Workers organized again in the winter of 2024 and went public with their intent to unionize in the spring of 2025, before winning their election in May 2025. Their primary concerns were long-standing health and safety issues affecting both employees and museum visitors, especially on the historic ships, and inadequate wages relative to both cost of living and to workers in similar positions across museums in Philadelphia. Following more than a year of negotiations with the museum, ISMWU ratified their first collective bargaining agreement in October 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, a Transparent Pay System, and guaranteed pay raises for every year of the contract.

  • Longevity Pay Raises to reward years of service.

  • Secure health and retirement benefits for eligible staff, and an expansion of paid time off to part-time employees.

  • Job Protections and Rights. Protections from unjust discipline and firing; Paid Parental Leave; Voting Leave for all state elections.

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