Employees at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) have made a significant announcement – they are unionizing. LACMA United, the newly formed union, will represent more than 300 workers in various departments within the museum. Their primary goal is to advocate for fairer compensation, expanded benefits, and increased transparency.
The union was established with the assistance of AFSCME Cultural Workers United District Council 36, an organization that has successfully organized workers at other prominent Los Angeles institutions like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Natural History Museum. This move comes after a previous attempt to unionize at the Marciano Art Foundation was thwarted when the museum abruptly closed its doors in 2019.
In a letter addressed to LACMA’s board and leadership, LACMA United expressed the challenges faced by many employees, including stagnant wages that do not align with the high cost of living in Los Angeles. They also highlighted the increased workload and responsibilities shouldered by staff members without adequate compensation, due to factors like high turnover and limited resources.
The union has requested voluntary recognition from museum executives and board members by November 5. LACMA Director Michael Govan acknowledged receiving the letter and expressed the museum’s commitment to supporting its staff.
Jayne Manuel, a program administrator at LACMA, shared her personal experiences of financial hardships in Los Angeles, which resonated with many of her colleagues. These issues are not unique to LACMA but are prevalent throughout the museum industry, as evidenced by a recent survey conducted by Museums Moving Forward (MMF).
The unionization announcement comes at a pivotal time for LACMA, as the museum undergoes a $720 million redevelopment project. This ambitious endeavor includes the construction of a new building designed by architect Peter Zumthor, which is set to open next year. The David Geffen Galleries will challenge traditional exhibition methods by showcasing works from diverse collections on a single level.
The timing of the unionization efforts coincides with LACMA’s upcoming Art+Film Gala, a crucial fundraising event for the institution. The union’s letter emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the people who bring the museum’s mission to life as it continues to evolve.
Overall, the formation of LACMA United represents a significant step towards advocating for the rights and well-being of museum employees, highlighting the ongoing need for fair compensation and support within the cultural sector.
