Over 400 workers at AGO to go on strike after failed contract negotiations
On Tuesday, more than 400 workers at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in Toronto will be walking off the job after contract talks between the union and the gallery’s management failed.
The workers, who are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3179, include visitor services staff, art handlers, and maintenance workers. They have been without a contract since December 31, 2020.
According to CUPE, the main issues in the negotiations were job security, fair wages, and benefits. The union claims that the gallery’s management has been unwilling to address these concerns, leading to the breakdown of talks.
In a statement, CUPE Local 3179 president Maureen O’Reilly said, “Our members are dedicated to making the AGO a world-class institution, but they deserve to be treated fairly and with respect. Unfortunately, the gallery’s management has not been willing to negotiate in good faith.”
The strike is set to begin at 12:01 am on Tuesday and will affect all areas of the gallery, including the popular exhibitions and programs. The union has also stated that picket lines will be set up at the gallery’s entrances, and they are asking the public to respect their picket lines and not cross them.
AGO’s management has released a statement expressing disappointment in the union’s decision to strike. They have also stated that they are committed to reaching a fair and reasonable agreement with the workers.
“We value our employees and the important work they do at the AGO. We have been negotiating in good faith and have made significant efforts to address the union’s concerns. We are disappointed that they have chosen to strike,” the statement read.
The gallery has also assured the public that they will remain open during the strike, with modified hours and limited services. However, some exhibitions and programs may be affected, and visitors are advised to check the gallery’s website for updates.
This is not the first time that AGO workers have gone on strike. In 2019, they went on a 10-week strike, which ended with a new collective agreement. The union hopes that this strike will lead to a similar outcome and that the gallery’s management will come back to the bargaining table with a fair offer.
“We are hopeful that the gallery’s management will see the value in our members’ work and come back to the table with a fair offer that addresses our concerns,” O’Reilly said.
The strike at AGO is just one of many labor disputes happening across the country as workers fight for fair wages, job security, and better working conditions. As the strike begins on Tuesday, the union is calling for support from the public and urging the gallery’s management to return to the negotiating table to reach a fair agreement.
