Employees at the 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 by IAM Local 10. The organizing effort was led by Bridget Fitzgerald, Southern Assistant Organizing Coordinator for IAM.
The move to organize followed a similar effort at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in November 2024. After seeing the success at Lewis Ginter, employees at Norfolk reached out to Fitzgerald earlier this year and began collecting union authorization cards 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 nonprofit sector employees who serve the public, such as those working at botanical gardens. Employees at Norfolk Botanical Garden cited low wages, lack of transparency, inconsistent policies—especially regarding inclement weather—and limited input into decision-making 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,” said Fitzgerald. “The lack of transparency, the inconsistency, and no reliable policy on inclement weather – for this type of work that’s unacceptable.”
The campaign received strong community support with nearly 450 signatures on a petition and endorsements from State Senator Angelia Williams Graves and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott.
Despite efforts by management—including hiring an anti-union consultant—to oppose unionization, employees maintained their commitment.
“Workers countered every lie and piece of misinformation,” said Fitzgerald. “Nothing the employer did with anti‑union persuasion was going to change their mind.”
With certification secured, IAM Local 10 members are preparing for contract negotiations alongside District 2020 Directing Business Representative Charles Mann. They plan to distribute a bargaining survey, elect a negotiating committee, and draft proposals before formal talks begin.
Norfolk IAM members hope to secure improvements in wages, establish clear policies on attendance and inclement weather, and gain more influence over workplace decisions.
“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.”
Fitzgerald emphasized that employees’ goal is not to harm the garden’s operations but rather secure dignity and respect through fair working conditions.
“They love the work,” said Fitzgerald. “They want to make it a career, not just a job for a few years.”
