Unions at the Brooklyn Museum reached a crucial agreement with leadership to avoid layoffs that would have impacted nearly 50 workers. This decision came after several weeks of rallies and intense negotiations, culminating with the announcement of voluntary separation packages and retirement incentives rather than the initially proposed layoffs due to a significant budget shortfall. The agreement is seen as a success for union representation, with promises to continue the fight for sustainable funding for cultural institutions. However, the fate of six non-union workers remains uncertain, as the finances of the museum are under severe stress.
"We secured an agreement that is fair and results in no layoffs for our members," said Henry Garrido, executive director of DC 37. "The outcome of these negotiations is a testament to the power of union representation - when we fight together, we win. We will continue pushing for sustainable funding for the city's cultural institutions."
The agreement culminates a one-month saga that began with unions learning of expected layoffs just days before Brooklyn Museum Director Anne Pasternak confirmed the news in an all-staff meeting on February 7.
Citing a projected $10 million budget deficit, Pasternak laid out a plan to address the institution's 'significant cash flow problem,' including programming reductions and salary cuts of 10 to 20% for senior leadership.
Last week, after the second union rally outside the museum drew over 100 people, Pasternak informed staff that the timeline for layoffs would be extended by one week pending a potential city fund increase.
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