Press Release: Portland Museum of Art and SPFPA Jointly Announce Contract
For Immediate Release: August 26, 2024
Contacts:
Alyssa Levesque | Director of Human Resources, Portland Museum of Art
207.200.5691 | alevesque@portlandmuseum.org
Roman Gumul| | Region 1 Director, Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America
586.772.7250 | roman@spfpa.org
Portland, ME—The Portland Museum of Art and the International Union of Security, Police, and Fire Professionals of America (SPFPA) are proud to jointly announce the ratification of a contract for all security positions within the museum. Together, the PMA and SPFPA agree to continue their shared support for the museum’s mission, and to achieve its core values of courage, equity, service, sustainability, and trust.
“We deeply value all our staff and their contributions in making art accessible to all,” said Mark Bessire, the Judy and Leonard Lauder Director of the Portland Museum of Art. “We are pleased to have reached a contract agreement with SPFPA that recognizes their dedication and ensures continued support for their important work in our museum. Together, we will continue to welcome visitors from around the corner and across the world, and encourage meaningful connections with artworks, programs, and events.”
“We value our partnership with the Portland Museum of Art and look forward to collaborating in the future on issues related to employee welfare,” said Roman Gumul, the SPFPA’s Region 1 Director. The SPFPA is the oldest and largest 9(b)(3) union in the country. SPFPA prides itself on achieving results that positively changes the lives of its members. The SPFPA also strives to achieve partnerships and establish strong working relationships with employers.
The negotiation process was marked by a collaborative process between the museum and the union, as they worked together to ensure the best outcome for the represented staff and the non-profit organization. In addition to maintaining prized benefits, such as the museum’s four weeks of paid time off for each employee, the contract includes average wage increases of 6% in its first year as well as 3% increases every year thereafter.
This commitment to working in good faith will continue to enable a vibrant arts institution that brings people together, creates community, and revitalizes the region.
ABOUT THE PORTLAND MUSEUM OF ART:
With an extensive collection and nationally renowned exhibitions, the Portland Museum of Art is the cultural heart of Portland, Maine. The PMA boasts significant holdings of American, European, and contemporary art, as well as iconic works from Maine—highlighting the rich artistic tradition of the state and its artists. The museum brings it all to life with unparalleled programming. From special members events, Free School Tours, and a commitment to family activities, to PMA Films, curator talks, and tours of the Winslow Homer Studio—it's all happening at the PMA.