Workers at Norfolk Botanical Garden have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union. In an election held on July 23, employees chose union representation by a margin of 43-23, joining IAM Local 10 after several months of organizing led by IAM Southern Assistant Organizing Coordinator Bridget Fitzgerald.
The move to unionize was influenced by a similar campaign at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in November 2024. After seeing the results there, workers at Norfolk reached out to Fitzgerald early in 2025 and began collecting union election 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.”
The IAM Union has focused on organizing workers in the non-profit sector, aiming to support employees who serve the public through organizations like botanical gardens.
Employees at Norfolk Botanical Garden expressed concerns over low wages, lack of transparency, inconsistent policies—especially regarding inclement weather—and limited input into workplace decisions. They believe collective bargaining will help address these issues.
“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.”
Public support for the campaign included nearly 450 signatures on a community petition and endorsements from State Sen. Angelia Williams Graves and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott.
Despite opposition from management—including hiring an anti-union consultant—the employees remained committed to unionizing.
“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, preparations are underway for contract negotiations with assistance from IAM Local 10 and District 2020 Directing Business Representative Charles Mann. The next steps include distributing a bargaining survey, electing a negotiating committee, and drafting proposals before formal talks begin.
Norfolk IAM members plan to negotiate improvements in pay, establish clear attendance practices and inclement-weather policies, and seek more influence over working conditions.
“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 added that while nonprofit employers may have limited budgets, employees are seeking dignity and respect rather than harming the organization: “They love the work,” said Fitzgerald. “They want to make it a career, not just a job for a few years.”
