Public Employee Press

Art Handlers at Sotheby's win a masterpiece contract

The long struggle of the Art Handlers at Sotheby's famous auction house won them a contract settlement on May 31 that was overwhelmingly approved by the members of Teamsters Local 814.

The highly profitable Sotheby's auction house, whose global sales in 2011 were $5.8 billion, had demanded givebacks. The new pact provides for a wage increase and maintenance of health care and retirement benefits.

Locked out by their employer for 10 months, the Art Handlers fought back. They brought their campaign to the streets and to schools. From Occupy Wall Street to Dartmouth College, the Teamsters found willing allies.

"Solidarity really paid off in the end," said Local 814 President Jason Ide. "I am proud of this settlement, which means pay raises and solid benefits for the 42 workers. But the hallmark of this settlement is that together, we persevered in securing the right to workplace justice."

Ide thanked those who supported the locked-out members of his local. "This was a collective victory for everyone," he said.

Sotheby's caters to a high-end market of wealthy art lovers and investors and sought the assistance of the union-busting law firm Jackson Lewis.

The contract that prevents these jobs from being turned into contracted-out, low-paying, temporary work is a victory for all working New Yorkers said George Miranda, president of Teamsters Joint Council 16.