Union workers and the Brooklyn Museum on Sunday reached an agreement where the cultural organization will provide incentives for nearly 50 employees that are slated to be laid off.
Facing a $10 million budget deficit, the Brooklyn Museum was planning on cutting 47 full- and part-time staff and reduce programming as it grapples with a cash flow problem. It is now waiting a week to see if the City Council will come up with funding.
In the meantime, District Council 37 Local 1502 said the agreement allows for a voluntary separation package or retirement with an additional incentive, according to a press release.
The voluntary separation package includes three weeks’ pay for every year of service, a reference letter from management to assist in finding new employment, and COBRA health insurance paid for by the museum for up to four months.
The majority of the planned layoffs target union titles including clerical workers, assistants, educators, curators, conservators, guards, retail workers and technicians.
“We secured an agreement that is fair and results in no layoffs for our members,” said Henry Garrido, executive director of District Council 37. “The outcome of these negotiations is a testament to the power of union representation— when we fight together, we win. We will continue pushing for sustainable funding for the city’s cultural institutions.”
