OCTOBER 12, 2021
Subject: Bargaining Update from Oct. 7 Session
Subject: Bargaining Update from Oct. 7 Session
Hello! This is Pam Curtin of your Bargaining Committee with an update.
Over the last two weeks, the Bargaining Committee has met in person with CMP management, once at CMNH and another time at CSC, to discuss non-economic contract bargaining issues and pre-contract wage increases.
Building off the new $10 minimum starting hourly wage, we are happy to announce wage increases for the following positions:
Those who initially earned under $10 have been moved up to the $10 base rate. Those initially earning in the $10 hourly rate have been moved up to an $11 base rate. From these new base rates, the hourly rate increases based on years of service are:
0-2 years at CMP - $10 / $11
3-5 years - $10.15 / $11.15
6-9 years - $10.30 / $11.30
10+ years - $10.50 / $11.50
During our negotiations, the Bargaining Committee presented counter proposals to raise the rate above CMP’s initial proposal. We were glad to come to an agreement and ensured these increases, like the $10 minimum raise, are retroactive to the September 5-19 pay period. If you have questions about how this may affect you, please reach out to your colleagues on the CAT, anyone on the Bargaining Committee, or email us at unitedmuseumworkers.usw@gmail.com.
These wage increases are one-time adjustments to support some of the lowest paid positions before a union contract is in place to establish a formal wage increase scale. This pre-contract wage increase is a positive step in the right direction, a sign of our collective power in action right now, and just the start of advocating for better wages at CMP. We are committed to winning a fair and equitable contract that will increase wages across positions and pay grades.
Additionally, the Bargaining Committee is in ongoing discussions with management about health and safety. We appreciate everyone who shared their concerns at UMW’s Health and Safety Listening Session on September 14, and encourage additional feedback by emailing us at unitedmuseumworkers.usw@gmail.com. We relayed these concerns to management, who responded in some tangible ways: more consistent signage about mask wearing, increased security presence at the doors, and additional radios / improved radio systems. However, we understand there are many health and safety issues still taking place, and are working to see these issues addressed. We are continuing to collect instances of health and safety issues you are witnessing or experiencing at our workplace, so please send us an email or contact a member of the CAT or Bargaining Committee.
Thank you!
In solidarity,
Pam
Over the last two weeks, the Bargaining Committee has met in person with CMP management, once at CMNH and another time at CSC, to discuss non-economic contract bargaining issues and pre-contract wage increases.
Building off the new $10 minimum starting hourly wage, we are happy to announce wage increases for the following positions:
- CMNH Gallery Experience Presenter
- CMNH Gallery Experience Presenter II
- CMNH Gallery Experience Program Presenter I
- CMNH Museum Educator Assistant
- CMNH Natural History Interpreter I
- CMNH Natural History Interpreter II
- CSC Program Presenter I
- CMP Sales Associate
- CMP Special Events Assistant
- CMP Special Events Associate
- CSC Visitor Services Rangos Representatives
- CSC Visitor Services Representatives
Those who initially earned under $10 have been moved up to the $10 base rate. Those initially earning in the $10 hourly rate have been moved up to an $11 base rate. From these new base rates, the hourly rate increases based on years of service are:
0-2 years at CMP - $10 / $11
3-5 years - $10.15 / $11.15
6-9 years - $10.30 / $11.30
10+ years - $10.50 / $11.50
During our negotiations, the Bargaining Committee presented counter proposals to raise the rate above CMP’s initial proposal. We were glad to come to an agreement and ensured these increases, like the $10 minimum raise, are retroactive to the September 5-19 pay period. If you have questions about how this may affect you, please reach out to your colleagues on the CAT, anyone on the Bargaining Committee, or email us at unitedmuseumworkers.usw@gmail.com.
These wage increases are one-time adjustments to support some of the lowest paid positions before a union contract is in place to establish a formal wage increase scale. This pre-contract wage increase is a positive step in the right direction, a sign of our collective power in action right now, and just the start of advocating for better wages at CMP. We are committed to winning a fair and equitable contract that will increase wages across positions and pay grades.
Additionally, the Bargaining Committee is in ongoing discussions with management about health and safety. We appreciate everyone who shared their concerns at UMW’s Health and Safety Listening Session on September 14, and encourage additional feedback by emailing us at unitedmuseumworkers.usw@gmail.com. We relayed these concerns to management, who responded in some tangible ways: more consistent signage about mask wearing, increased security presence at the doors, and additional radios / improved radio systems. However, we understand there are many health and safety issues still taking place, and are working to see these issues addressed. We are continuing to collect instances of health and safety issues you are witnessing or experiencing at our workplace, so please send us an email or contact a member of the CAT or Bargaining Committee.
Thank you!
In solidarity,
Pam
Pam Curtin has been an educator at Powdermill Nature Reserve since 2010, following many years as a volunteer and summer camper. Her career spans several museums, historic sites, and parks where she has focused on education, interpretation, exhibits, and communications. She has an MA in Public History from West Virginia University and BA in History from Saint Vincent College, where she teaches courses including museum studies. Her love for the Carnegie Museums inspired her to get involved with union efforts, and she is continually inspired by her coworkers' hard work and shared passion for the Museums. A native of Latrobe, Pam also enjoys photography, drawing, hiking, birdwatching, traveling, and volunteering with the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program.
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