MOCA Employees Launch Unionization Campaign with AFSCME

More than 125 workers at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles have initiated efforts to unionize with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. On Friday, approximately 50 staff members delivered their formal intent to the museum, citing fair pay, better workplace conditions, and increased transparency as primary motivations. The group expressed solidarity with employees at numerous other institutions including the Marciano Art Foundation, New Museum, Guggenheim, SFMOMA, MoMA, The Met, Berkeley Art Museum, LA Museum of Tolerance, and Frye Museum. MOCA responded by stating that while it respects employees' right to decide on union representation, it does not believe this specific union serves the best interests of the museum or its staff. This movement aligns with a broader trend across the American art sector where museum workers are increasingly organizing to advocate for improved conditions. The unionization push comes as MOCA recently announced free admission starting January 11, 2020, with employees hoping similar progressive measures will extend to workforce benefits.