AFSCME Local 397

The PMA Union is a chapter of AFSCME Local 397. AFSCME Local 397 was established as a local of AFSCME District Council 47 in 2020, with the PMA Union as its first chapter.

Having a local for unionized cultural institutions in our region allows us to pool our resources, share our knowledge, and fight more effectively for the contracts and working conditions we deserve.

Since 2020, Local 397 has welcomed three other unions, two of which are currently fighting for a fair contract. We encourage our members and supporters to follow and support all of our sibling unions.

If you and your coworkers are interested in organizing a new chapter as part of Local 397, please contact 397staff@dc47.org or reach out to District Council 47 directly.

Penn Museum Workers United

Penn Museum Workers United were the second union to join Local 397 in 2021. Learn more about them:

• PMWU Website

• PMWU Instagram

• PMWU Twitter

Please Touch Museum United

The third union to join Local 397 was Please Touch Museum United, who won their wall-to-wall election in a landslide in 2023.

• PTMU Instagram

• PTMU Twitter

• PTMU Linktree

Schuylkill Center Staff United

The most recent addition to Local 397 is Schuylkill Center Staff United, who achieved their decisive victory in the face of management’s blatant union busting efforts.

Governance

Local 397 is governed by a shared constitution and Executive Board. Each chapter of Local 397 is entitled to a Chapter Chair on the Executive Board once they have ratified their first contract. Meet the current officers of Local 397 here.