Tessa Solomon at ArtNews reports Unionized Staff employed at the Whitney Museum in New York City have ratified its second contract, just hours ahead of a Strike deadline. Under the new deal, every Whitney Employee will receive a wage increase of at least 14.75% over four years. Workers with the lowest salaries will receive larger raises, ranging from 5% to 23% in the first year. The agreement also introduces longevity bonuses for Staff with at least 10 years of service, up to 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave, stronger Health and Safety Protections, and more Bereavement Leave. Minimum pay rates for new hires will also increase. The inaugural three-year contract between the Museum and nearly 200 Staffers represented by United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2110 expired in June, while negotiations for a new agreement have been underway since May. The Union's foremost demand has been a contract that guarantees wages commensurate with the skyrocketing cost of living for a single adult New Yorker. After months of negotiations failed to yield a satisfactory agreement, the Union approved Strike action earlier this month in a vote held in tandem with Unions at the Brooklyn Museum and American Folk Art Museum.

To Read This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: Whitney Museum workers settle contract hours before strike deadline