Workers of the Denver Art Museum notified management Thursday morning of their intent to form a union.
Higher wages, more transparency and better safety procedures were the top issues cited by workers in a letter circulated by the Denver Art Museum Workers United (DAMWU) organizing committee.
"Denver is a growing city where the cost of living has skyrocketed. Our wages don't reflect that," said DAM gallery host Trudy Lovato. "In forming our union, I hope to see the museum live up to its potential of being an amazing place to work and play."
Nearly 250 workers were part of the announcement seeking voluntary recognition from the museum of their union. The organizing effort has reached supermajority support, according to DAMWU.
"The Denver Art Museum is aware that unionization among museums has been occurring more frequently in the US and is open to working with its employees to explore the best path forward," said DAM spokesperson Andy Sinclair. "If unionization is the path they choose, the museum will work within that system. The Denver Art Museum prioritizes its employees and their needs and looks forward to learning more about the specific goals of the proposed unionization."
DAM workers have shared online testimonials with what they hope to see moving forward, including a push for more transparency from museum management. For Tei Luga, a creative and public engagement associate with DAM, unclear training around safety issues is also a concern.
"For our museum to fully realize its potential and truly act as a public good, it has to operate democratically and with accountability to staff and the public," Luga said. "A union will make the museum better for everyone-not just for employees, but for the public too."
U.S. employers have become more willing to voluntarily recognize unions as of late, potentially avoiding costly election processes. Denver's Meow Wolf recognized a pair of its own unions in 2022 after nearly 70% of its 230 workers voted to union.
