More than 400 workers at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) may be on strike as of 12:01 a.m. on Monday, March 25th.
The AGO prides itself as a world-class arts institution tasked with public delivery of the arts, but that can’t come at the cost of peoples’ livelihood. The gallery is increasingly drawing on precarious, part-time work and contracting out, which is creating a growing underclass of struggling workers. Gallery workers want a future here and a contract that makes it possible. Admission to the AGO shouldn’t come at the cost of worker precarity when top executives make as much $406k a year!
These workers, members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 535, ensure there is art and programming for public access. They literally keep the gallery lights on and doors open: these are electricians, front desk staff, art conservators, assistant curators, food and hospitality workers, technicians, designers, carpenters, course instructors, and more.
Calling all union and community allies: on March 13th, rally with workers outside the gallery doors that their labour holds open! Let’s send a strong message to the AGO: the undervaluing and contracting out of labour from long-term, loyal staff is an attack on workers. You can’t hide behind the art.
What: Day of Action – rally with AGO cultural workers
When: Wednesday, March 13th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Outside the Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON