(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – After Workers employed at Buffalo’s AKG Art Museum won their Union and ratified their first contract in December, the Union believed this would mark the start of a collaborative relationship with museum leadership - one where both Workers and the museum could thrive - together.

Instead, Buffalo AKG Workers United charge AKG Director Janne Sirén with slashing mor than 60% of the largest Unionized department, laying off 13 Visitor Experience Associates (VEX) in addition to the 15 who were already lost.

This, Union Officials add, is on top of ongoing retaliation against Union AKG Art Museum Workers, including punishing the for speaking out and unjustly disciplining Workers. 

The layoffs were announced just after the AKG leadership posted job openings for 11 new Non-Union Security Guards.

This is not a coincidence, Union Officials said, instead they say it is a blatant act of retaliation against workers who fought for fair wages, protections and a voice on the job.

Museum management claims the change is an "operational shift" - intended to enhance the visitor experience.

However, there are numerous ways to improve visitor experience that do not require eliminating half of the Staff, Buffalo AKG Workers United said.

This justification is a thinly veiled attempt to disguise what is, in reality, a clear act of Union Busting, Union Officials charge.

If the museum were truly committed to enhancing visitor experience, it would invest in its workers - the very people who bring the institution to life - rather than gutting its workforce under the guise of "radical hospitality," they said.

At a time when Workers’ Rights are under attack nationwide, it is appalling to see AKG take a page from Elon Musk’s playbook - undermining its own employees and their hard-won rights, said Buffalo AKG Workers United, adding a world-class institution should lead with integrity, not hostility toward its workers.

“Buffalo is a Union Town. Our community does not accept this kind of behavior. On the AKG Museum’s ‘First Friday,’ Workers and community members will be educating the Buffalo community on Janne Sirén’s Union Busting actions (by conducting an action outside the museum),” Union Officials said. 

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: Union raises concerns over planned layoffs at Buffalo AKG Art Museum