Unionized staff at the Guggenheim Museum voted overwhelmingly on Friday to authorize a strike, as negotiations with the museum continue. The UAW Local 2110 union seeks better pay, health benefits, and job security for its members. With 93 percent of its members voting in favor of the strike, the union emphasized that action would be taken if necessary to secure a fair contract.
Current Negotiations and Concerns
Since December, the union has been negotiating a second contract after ratifying their first agreement in August 2023. The staff, which includes members from various departments such as curatorial and education, is particularly concerned about recent layoffs. In February 2025, 20 staff members were laid off, prompting the union to demand improved job security provisions and advance notice of layoffs.
Union chair Drew Reynolds criticized the chaotic implementation of last year's layoffs, stating, “The layoffs last year were implemented chaotically. Laid off staff were told to leave the museum with no advance notice and no union representation.” This situation has increased the workload for remaining staff, highlighting the need for better job security.
Proposals from Both Sides
The Guggenheim Museum has proposed a four-year contract that includes a 3 percent pay increase for the first year, retroactive to January, followed by 2.75 percent increases in the subsequent years. In contrast, the union is advocating for a three-year term with a 5 percent increase in the first year and 4.25 percent in the following years. They argue that these increases are necessary to keep pace with the 5.1 percent inflation rate in New York City.
