After two years in my current position (and more than a decade in the museum field), I recently decided to join the union. In our case, it is not mandatory to join, and the union prides itself on maintaining a good relationship with the administration (by incorporating a "no strike" clause in the contract and by recognizing that fiscally-lean years mean small or no raises, for example). Though they are members of the union, certain staff have negotiated raises/benefit increases on their own. Not all staff are eligible to join. Non-profit organizations are becoming more and more like for-profit corporations with each passing day, especially with respect to larger institutions. Joining a union is NOT synonymous with betraying the cultural community. I hesitated joining for two years because of my own preconceived notions about unions. Frankly, I now rest a bit easier knowing that my union representative is there to protect my interests, and to support ME in the event of unreasonable actions on the part of the museum administration or governing body. Melanie Solomon Curator of History The Springfield Museums Springfield, Massachusetts >From: DeAnn Gould <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Museums and Unions >This last comment sparked a question that I have been meaning to ask -- >how many of you are employed by or know of a non-profit or museum that >has a union for its employees? > >The institution I work for has been presented with a petition from >employees to unionize -- an official vote is just weeks away. Based on >the research I have done (unions, National Labor Relations Act, SEIU >local 46, etc.) -- a union would not be in the best interest of a >non-profit arts organization nor its employees. > >What are some of your thoughts? > >DeAnn Gould > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com