Employees at Norfolk Botanical Garden have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union. The election, held on July 23, resulted in a 43-23 vote in favor of union representation with IAM Local 10. This follows several months of organizing efforts led by Bridget Fitzgerald, Southern Assistant Organizing Coordinator for the IAM.
The campaign began after workers at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden successfully organized in November 2024. Inspired by that effort, employees at Norfolk Botanical Garden contacted Fitzgerald earlier this year and started gathering authorization cards for a union election in May.
“The Lewis Ginter drive garnered a lot of attention,” said Fitzgerald. “They had a social media presence that the Norfolk Botanical Garden workers followed and reached out to talk to those workers, had a couple different conversations about their issues and what made them decide to unionize. Norfolk workers decided that they wanted to travel that same path.”
IAM has focused on organizing within the nonprofit sector as part of its strategy to support public-serving workers like those at the botanical garden.
Workers cited low wages, lack of transparency in decision-making, and inconsistent policies—especially regarding inclement weather—as reasons for seeking collective bargaining.
“Most of them, the first thing they mention is needing better pay, but then they say that what they really want is a voice,” Fitzgerald said. “The lack of transparency, the inconsistency, and no reliable policy on inclement weather – for this type of work that’s unacceptable.”
The campaign received significant community support with nearly 450 signatures on a petition and endorsements from State Senator Angelia Williams Graves and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott.
Despite management opposition—including hiring an anti-union consultant—employees maintained their position throughout the process.
“Workers countered every lie and piece of misinformation,” Fitzgerald stated. “Nothing the employer did with anti‑union persuasion was going to change their mind.”
With certification complete, employees are preparing for contract negotiations alongside IAM Local 10 and District 2020 Directing Business Representative Charles Mann. The group will conduct a bargaining survey, elect a negotiating committee, and draft proposals before formal talks begin.
Union members plan to negotiate for improved wages, clear policies regarding inclement weather, defined attendance practices, and more input into workplace decisions reflecting their professional commitment.
“We are empowering workers in every industry,” said IAM Organizing Assistant Director Juan Eldridge. “Nonprofit workers are workers nonetheless. They give everything to their job, they are professionals and experts in what they do, and they need to be valued for that expertise and dedication.”
Although nonprofit organizations often face budget constraints compared to other sectors, employees hope collective bargaining will help secure fair treatment without harming operations.
“They love the work,” added Fitzgerald. “They want to make it a career, not just a job for a few years.”