BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- The outside of the Brooklyn Museum turned into a rallying stage Tuesday evening amid layoffs.
Some workers told PIX11 News that they have dedicated decades to this museum and they are part of the history. However, the leadership of the museum stated wages are the majority of the museum’s operating budget.
Chants of "No layoffs" were heard by Brooklyn museum workers Tuesday evening.
“It is a disaster, I love this institution,” said Liz St. George. She is one of the roughly 50 employees expected to soon stay without a job.
But she says she will going to fight until the end.
“This was a dream job for me, and I mean that. I responded to the social justice mission of this museum, the collection is everything a curator could possibly want, and to lose this job will kill my career,” added St. George.
The layoffs will also take away the jobs of some clerical workers, guards, educators, and those responsible for putting up art pieces, like Richard Fett.
“They want to get rid of almost half of us. I don’t see how we can continue to install art for the public to see with half the crew,” said Fett.
The museum stated the reduction of staff is to make up for a 10-million-dollar deficit, adding that senior leadership will take 10 to 20 percent pay cuts. Councilmember Justin Brannan says leaving working families without income is not the way to do it.
“It is crazy. We fought really hard in the City Council last year to fund the arts and culture sector, 53 million dollars. We wouldn’t have done that if we thought they were going to turn around and lay off workers,” stated Brannan.
Wilson Souffian who has worked here for 38 years as a painter and is also the local union president claims the museum has violated the contract.
“Actually, on Friday, the intent was to do the layoffs. We pushed against it. They were already telling some of our members that Friday was going to be their last day. They backed off and said since you are asking for 30 days we will let your members work for the next 30 days, which will expire on March 9.”
And as no agreement has been reached yet, the future of these workers is unclear just like they say this entire process has been.
“There were ways to negotiate first like furloughs, people to retire and none of that was offered first, it was please leave, thank you for your service,” concluded Ferett.
Looking to make up for the deficit, the museum said it will also cut back on some exhibitions.
English (US) ·