Schuylkill Center Staff United

Philly Cultural Workers United, Local 397

Schuylkill Center Staff United began organizing in the summer of 2022, and we won our union election in February of 2024. We organized around low pay, lack of job security, and high turnover rate. After two years of negotiations, we ratified our first contract in early March of 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. Average pay increase of 8.5% for current employees at ratification; guaranteed annual raises every year of the contract.

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

  • Improved Benefits. Improvements to PTO, including vacation rollover and payout upon resignation.

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

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