The Art Gallery of Ontario workers, represented by OPSEU/SEFPO Local 535, went on strike on March 26 after rejecting the company’s offer, citing issues such as wage increases and protections against contracting out for precarious part-time workers. The strike lasted for a month, during which time the workers engaged in collective action to push for improvements. After 16 hours of bargaining, a tentative agreement was reached between the union and the gallery, marking the end of the strike.
The union represents a wide range of workers at the AGO, including assistant curators, archivists, food and hospitality staff, researchers, technicians, carpenters, electricians, instructors, designers, and visitor services staff. The details of the new tentative agreement were not disclosed as union members still needed to vote on the agreement. This strike was the first in the history of the AGO and demonstrated the power of solidarity and collective action among workers in advocating for their rights and fair treatment in the workplace.
OPSEU/SEFPO Local 535 described the strike as a historic demonstration of collective action and expressed solidarity with the workers at the AGO. The union had criticized the company’s initial offer for failing to address key issues that were important to the workers, such as wage increases and protections against contracting out precarious part-time workers. By going on strike and engaging in negotiations, the workers were able to push for a better agreement that addressed their concerns and improved their working conditions.
After a month of striking, the workers at the AGO were able to reach a tentative agreement with the company, signaling the end of the strike. The bargaining process lasted for 16 hours on the one month anniversary of the strike, and the union and the gallery were able to come to terms on a new agreement. This outcome speaks to the effectiveness of collective action and demonstrates the importance of workers standing together to push for fair treatment and better conditions in the workplace.
The agreement between the union and the AGO represents a significant achievement for the workers, as it addresses key issues that had led to the strike in the first place. The tentative agreement was reached late into the night on the one month anniversary of the strike, highlighting the dedication and persistence of the workers in advocating for their rights. The union expressed optimism about the new agreement and the improvements that it would bring for the workers at the AGO.
Overall, the resolution of the strike at the Art Gallery of Ontario represents a victory for the workers and a testament to the power of collective action in advocating for fair treatment and improved working conditions. By standing together and engaging in negotiations, the workers were able to secure a new tentative agreement that addressed their concerns and represented a step forward in their ongoing efforts to ensure their rights are respected in the workplace. This outcome serves as a reminder of the importance of solidarity and unity among workers in the fight for better working conditions and fair treatment.
