Unionized staff at the Brooklyn Museum, Guggenheim Museum, Jewish Museum and American Folk Art Museum have ratified new contracts, averting potential strikes. Negotiations at the Brooklyn Museum and American Folk Art Museum concluded this week, while the Guggenheim and Jewish Museum unions sealed their agreements in September. The Brooklyn Museum contract, a four-year deal, ensures annual raises and increased minimum salaries, while the AFAM contract provides a 13.6% wage increase over four years. The Guggenheim union, which organized in 2021, secured a new contract this year, aiming to strengthen job security and improve severance pay. Meanwhile, the Whitney Museum union remains at the bargaining table, with a strike date looming on October 5.

The recent agreements come after a period of tension at the Brooklyn Museum, where layoffs and financial concerns sparked union protests. The New York City Council eventually provided a grant to help offset the museum’s financial shortfall. At the American Folk Art Museum, the union ratified its inaugural contract after nearly two years of bargaining, addressing concerns about workplace sustainability and benefits. The Jewish Museum union, which ratified its second contract in September, also saw progress in securing better terms for its employees.

The museum industry continues to grapple with financial challenges, with leadership at various institutions facing the tough task of balancing budgets and maintaining staff morale. As museums navigate these complex issues, unionized workers remain vigilant, ensuring their voices are heard and their conditions are met.