January 28, 2005
“Transformation AGO” means 81 job cuts
“Transformation AGO,” the Art Gallery of Ontario's $195 million renovation project, will cause the elimination of 81 positions by spring 2005.
The AGO is in the midst of a major capital campaign to raise funds in addition to the $48 million provided by the Superbuild Fund and the $70 million cash pledged by Canadian billionaire art collector Kenneth R. Thomson. Thomson is also donating an estimated $300 million in artwork to the AGO. But this
influx of capital is not being used to retain experienced staff.
The AGO has said that on March 31, AGORA will close for the remainder of construction, booking of external events at the AGO will cease and the Gallery Shop will be reduced in size. By the end of May, the Gallery Shop and Cultures Café will close at their current locations. Although the AGO intends to
maintain exhibition programming during the renovation, retail operations and food service will be cut. Many longstanding employees will lose their jobs, and the AGO will lose revenues. Management has said the 81 job cuts are just the first phase of layoffs, and that there will be more during the 3-year construction period.
AGO has also refused to offer adequate recall rights to laid-off members.
Barry Taylor, President of Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 535 representing 300 staff at the gallery, condemned the AGO’s treatment of staff. “In the Transformation AGO rhetoric, the Gallery is constantly making the statement ‘Art Matters’. In light of the layoffs this spring and during the
project, and with the refusal by the employer to extend recall time periods, OPSEU has to ask the AGO: Don't people matter too?” asked Taylor.
“The AGO has stated again and again that they are willing and committed to working with the unions through these difficult times. Therefore, we must question why they are refusing to do anything to ensure that committed workers retain the right to return to their jobs once the renovation is complete,”
said Taylor.
While cash is flowing to meet the demands of “Transformation AGO,” to meet their goal of providing their benefactor with galleries for his priceless collection of art, service cuts to the public and loss of livelihood to dedicated staff will be the sad reality at the AGO.
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For further information contact:
Michelle Jacques, Vice-President, OPSEU Local 535 (AGO) 416 979-6660 ext. 304
