In a cozy Pawcatuck kitchen, a union meeting is under way. Not so inexplicably a scene from the pro-union film Norma Rae comes to mind; workers gathered, organizing. In this scene, a group of Mystic Seaport, Museum of American and the Sea, employees and a few union organizers from the Connecticut chapter of the American Federation of Teachers gather to discuss the continuing organizing process. The union will be called Mystic Seaport United and according to at least these staff members, most of the 200-plus employees are supportive and on board. "It's not personal. It's not malicious. There is some real emotion here, real passion for the museum," said Sarah Spencer, who works in the communications department at the venerable Mystic institution, a post she's held for the past 22 years. "People love the museum. You understand you're not going to get rich (working at the Seaport). You just believe in it."

But just believing isn't enough. "We have no voice," said museum interpreter Liz Kading who has been on the job since 2006. "Never mind have a greater say. We don't even have a say. We're voiceless. This union will give us a voice."

And one that "won't be able to be ignored," Seaport worker Dean Seder said. And, among other things workers hope, greater autonomy, employment contracts that will provide for benefits, notice of layoffs and the like.

Kading said her department, museum interpretation, has seen layoffs and hours cut and worse.

"When they laid people off they didn't even tell (people) they could get unemployment. People in my department had to decide between groceries and rent."

Seder has worked in the shipyard at the Seaport for longer than many of the staff has even been alive. He began work in 1975; just three or four employees have been there longer. Seder has a weathered and rugged seafarer face and thick, calloused hands. And in both his demeanor and near four decades-long history with the Seaport, it's clear he has an unparalleled love for the place. But, he said, "people are upset." "We went through some really bad management years and then (current president Stephen White) came and we said, 'Wow, maybe there'll be a new dawn.' Then, within a year, without any discussion they came into an all staff meeting and took three sick days and two holidays, without discussion, without negotiation."