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AGO CEO received a 293 per cent increase in three years while workers must fight to negotiate a fair collective agreement.
Toronto (02 April 2012) - Almost 400 workers at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), members for the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) could be on strike as of April 12 at 12:01 a.m. The bargaining unit is angry the employer at the Gallery has refused to budge on key demands put forward by the members. Still recovering from a two year wage freeze in the most recent collective agreement, these workers want a fair wage and other improvements this round.
“Management is crying poor and making a big deal about the fact that they also took a two year wage freeze,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “Here’s the difference: Matthew Teitelbaum had a 293% increase in his salary from 2006 to 2009. Other managers had up to 30% increases. In other words, they made sure they padded their pockets before the freeze took effect. You tell me that this is fair to workers who love their work and help to make the AGO the wonderful place it is for the people of this city.”
The union has said it is willing to go back to the table at any point between now and then strike deadline. It is up to the Gallery management to come back with a fair deal so that everyone can throw themselves into the preparation for the next exhibition at the AGO, the Picasso exhibition.
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE