Employees at Norfolk Botanical Garden have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union. The decision followed a July 23 election, where workers supported union representation by a margin of 43-23. This move brings them into IAM Local 10 after several months of organizing led by Bridget Fitzgerald, Southern Assistant Organizing Coordinator for IAM.
The organizing effort began after employees observed the successful unionization at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in November 2024. Inspired by that campaign, Norfolk workers contacted Fitzgerald in early 2025 and started gathering 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.”
IAM has focused on organizing nonprofit sector employees who often serve the public interest. At Norfolk Botanical Garden, staff sought collective bargaining as a way to address low wages, improve transparency in management decisions, and gain more input into workplace operations.
“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 support from nearly 450 community members through a petition as well as endorsements from State Senator Angelia Williams Graves and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott.
Despite resistance from management—including hiring an anti-union consultant—workers continued their efforts.
“Workers countered every lie and piece of misinformation,” said Fitzgerald. “Nothing the employer did with anti‑union persuasion was going to change their mind.”
Now certified as a bargaining unit, employees are preparing for contract negotiations with assistance from IAM Local 10 and District 2020 Directing Business Representative Charles Mann. Plans include distributing surveys among members, electing a negotiating committee, and drafting proposals ahead of formal talks.
Norfolk IAM members hope negotiations will result in better wages, clearer policies regarding inclement weather and attendance, and more involvement in shaping workplace 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.”
While recognizing financial limitations common among nonprofits, organizers say their goal is not to harm the institution but rather secure fair treatment for employees.
“They love the work,” said Fitzgerald. “They want to make it a career, not just a job for a few years.”
