(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) - Workers at the Buffalo Albright-Knox (AKG) Museum have filed a petition to Unionize with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

Workers filed for Front of House Positions, including Visitor Experience, Facilities and Food and Beverage Employees.

“We are organizing because we want to have a voice on the job, build a Democratic workplace, and improve the material working conditions,” said Vincent Klie, a Bartender at the AKG. “The AKG is a pillar of the Buffalo Community and we want to make the AKG the best museum it can be for both workers and our guests.” 

Some of the material conditions Workers hope to address with a Union include issues like pay equity and having consistent breaks to be able access water and use the restroom in a timely manner.

Workers originally launched their campaign in November with hopes AKG leadership would either voluntarily recognize their Union or agree to a non-NLRB Election, which would include Preservation & Safety Employees - the museum’s Security Guards.

This is because under current Labor Law, Security Guards are excluded from organizing with other Workers unless an employer voluntarily recognizes the entire Unit. 

Sophie Goodwin, a Visitor Experience Associate at the AKG, said: “We were hoping AKG leadership would respect our right to organize, especially as an institution that has received ample public funds from taxpayers.  However, their actions have unfortunately said otherwise.  For example, the AKG has hired Jackson Lewis, one of the most notorious Union-Busting Law Firms in the country, as their legal counsel.  This is the same law firm that has represented some of the most Anti-Union companies in America, like Amazon and Tesla.” 

Natalie Hayes, a Shift Lead and Barista at the AKG, said: “Although it seemed that AKG leadership was originally open to having a non-NLRB Election with us, it quickly became apparent that they were stalling.  For instance, AKG leadership was not prepared to discuss what an election would look like until (January 10th) with no clear timeline on when they would agree to schedule an election.  We felt like we had no other choice than to go forward and file an official petition to Unionize with the NLRB to ensure our right to organize.” 

Workers at the AKG have also filed charges with the NLRB over actions that are consistent with a covert Union-Busting Campaign.

Workers the AKG has increased surveillance of its Workers, begun enforcing rules more strictly in retaliation for Union Activity, and has engaged in emotional manipulation that indirectly shames organizing Workers for their desire to collectively bargain.

Lydian Standeford, a Visitor Experience Associate at the AKG, said: “It is not too late for the AKG to change course and respect our right to organize.  They can end their relationship with Jackson Lewis, sign the Fair Election Principles as written, and end their Union-Busting Campaign.  We are doing this because we love the museum and love working there.  We are hoping to have a collaborative relationship with leadership and hope we can work together now and in the future.” 

For More, Visit: FAQ — Buffalo AKG Workers United