President of art museum backs security guards’ union

The president of the Philadelphia Museum of Art has indicated his support for a security guard labor union at his institution.

The president of the Philadelphia Museum of Art has indicated his support for a security guard labor union at his institution.

Most of the 130 security guards voted themselves into a union last year. But so far they have not been recognized by their employer, Allied Barton, which contracts with the Museum. When the Museum’s new director, Timothy Rub, took office last year, he refused to endorse either side.

But in a letter to City Councilman Bill Greenlee, Rub urged Allied Barton to listen to the security guards’ requests.

Union spokesman Fabricio Rodriguez says Rub’s support means a lot.

Rodriguez: “The letter from Director Rub was an enormous development. We’re glad Rub has joined the majority at the museum, councilman Greenlee, and the National Labor Relations Board in calling on Allied Barton to recognize union and improving museum security.”

The National Labor Relations Board has ruled that Allied Barton must negotiate with the union. The company has appealed.

The guards are fighting for higher pay and better working conditions. They also say they need more emergency training to help safeguard the museum’s visitors and masterpieces.