Sonoma Valley Museum of Art responds to unionization request

Employees of the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, through Cultural Workers United, sent a letter to the museum’s Executive Director Linda Keaton asking her to voluntarily recognize their union by April 8.

The museum issued a press release in response to the letter, declining to extend recognition of a union with Cultural Workers United, whichincludes the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees Council (AFSCME) 57 and American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

“We respect our employees’ right to engage in union activity under the National Labor Relations Act. We also respect our employees’ right to make the decision about whether or not they choose to be represented by a union,” a press release read.

The museum will wait to recognize a union by its employees until a ballot election can be conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), according to the press release, which would take place in a secret ballot to avoid interference.

“We believe our employees deserve the opportunity to make an informed decision regarding the Union and what it may mean for our workplace. If our employees choose union representation following an NLRB election, SVMA will respect that decision,” the release said.

Employees’ letter cited a need to create a more diverse, equitable and accessible environment in the museum during a “pivotal moment in history,” the letter read.

“We believe that the formation of our union, Cultural Workers United-AFSCME DC57, is the logical next step in this endeavor for a more egalitarian workplace,” the letter said.