Brooklyn Museum, union reach agreement to prevent layoffs for now
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — After weeks of protests and negotiations, the Brooklyn Museum and District Council 37 have reached a breakthrough agreement to prevent layoffs for nearly 50 workers.
The deal, finalized late Sunday night, introduces a voluntary separation package designed to offer alternatives to layoffs while addressing the museum's financial challenges.
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The voluntary separation package includes several benefits for employees who choose to participate:
Three weeks' pay for every year of service
A reference letter from museum leadership to assist in finding new employment
COBRA health insurance paid by the museum for up to four months
Retirement incentives for eligible employees
This agreement comes as the museum faces a $10 million budget deficit, which had initially led to plans for widespread layoffs. The voluntary separation plan aims to reduce costs while minimizing the impact on staff.
District Council 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido praised the agreement as a victory for union advocacy. 'We secured an agreement that is fair and results in no layoffs for our members. The outcome of these negotiations is a testament to the power of union representation. When we fight together, we win,' Garrido said. He also emphasized the need for sustainable funding for New York City's cultural institutions moving forward.
The Brooklyn Museum expressed its satisfaction with the resolution, stating, 'We are pleased to reach a mutual agreement on a voluntary separation program with our unions.' However, the museum noted that depending on participation in the program and additional funding from the city, further workforce reductions might still be necessary.
The agreement follows weeks of protests by union members and a special oversight hearing at City Hall. Union leaders had criticized the museum's initial layoff plans, citing insufficient notice and a lack of exploration into alternative cost-saving measures such as furloughs. The delay in layoffs provided additional time for negotiations and discussions about potential city funding.
While this deal provides temporary relief, the museum's financial challenges remain significant. New York City Council members are still considering allocating additional funds to help close the institution's budget gap.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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