Amidst a labour dispute, over 400 unionized staff members at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) have initiated a strike, demanding better pay and reduced reliance on contract employment. The strike, involving various roles such as curators, designers, technicians, and front desk staff, has prompted the closure of the AGO.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) expressed dissatisfaction with the AGO’s offer, citing inadequate improvements in wages and protections against precarious part-time employment. Paul Ayers, President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 535, highlighted the financial struggles faced by public service employees during the pandemic and emphasized the need for a deal that addresses the cost-of-living crisis in Canada’s most expensive city.
In response to the strike, an AGO spokesperson expressed hope for a negotiated agreement while acknowledging the closure of the gallery. Striking workers assembled outside the AGO premises, emphasizing the significance of fair treatment for artists contributing to the cultural landscape.
The labour dispute unfolds amidst financial challenges for the AGO, with attendance levels still below pre-pandemic figures and a reported deficit of approximately $1 million. OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick criticized the AGO’s approach, alleging prioritization of financial concerns over the livelihoods of cultural workers.