This is one mean MoMA

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) workers on strike in New York City.

Professional and administrative staff at the Museum of Modem Art (MoMA) in New York City have been on strike since April 28.

These members of UAW Local 2110 were forced to hit the pavement after the employer tried to force through a contract offer that was totally unacceptable to the membership.

New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, yet many of the people who work at the museum struggle on a salary of $17,000 per year. Workers in the unit holding Ph.D. degrees earn less than $30,000 per year. In addition, the museum wants the UAW to sign a waiver over medical benefits, which would allow MoMA to make changes in the medical plan without allowing the union the opportunity to bargain over these changes.

While many workers are forced to live on poverty level wages, museum management is handsomely compensated. In addition to a huge salary, the director also enjoys such perks as a paid apartment, transportation costs, and fully paid tuition for his children at private schools.

The museum is telling the public that it wants to bargain with the union and try to settle the strike. The reality is that instead of seriously addressing the open issues, the museum has conducted a campaign of openly vilifying the union’s officers and committee people.

Negotiating committee person Stefanii Atkins, a senior assistant registrar, described management actions against its workers as text book union busting. "This is an absolute power play on their part to break our union, but we are just as determined to fight until we achieve justice in the workplace. Our workers are very dedicated professionals who love their jobs and always been very loyal workers," Atkins said.

What a pity that MoMA has not shown its own workers the respect and loyalty they deserve.

Local News: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5