Local 1502 Keeps Up Pressure at Brooklyn Museum

DC 37 Local 1502 Brooklyn Museum Workers and United Auto Workers Local 2110 held a rally on March 6 to protest imminent layoffs of nearly 50 museum workers just days after marching the picket line in late February. The rally drew hundreds of union members, supporters, and community leaders. The workers sent a clear message to management, chanting, “Together, united, we’ll never be defeated!”

Union leaders, including Executive Director Henry Garrido and Local 1502 President Wilson Souffrant, reiterated the need for strategic thinking and alternative cost savings. Souffrant emphasized that members must persevere and remain steadfast in their commitment to one another during negotiations.

As of press time, the union and Brooklyn Museum reached an agreement to halt layoffs for the foreseeable future.

Play Fair for Parks Demands 1%

Wind and rain on March 20 couldn’t keep the Play Fair for Parks Coalition from the steps of
City Hall to call for 1% of the city’s budget to be allocated toward public parks, maintenance, and staff. Local 1505 President Dilcy Benn and Local 983 President Joe Puleo sounded off on how essential parks are to New Yorkers’ safety and quality of life. “Every year the city expects us to do more with less,” Benn said. “And every year, we come back to fight. We need more workers!”

Photos by Acacia Rodriguez