The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles let go of 97 part-time employees (over half of the museum’s 185 staff) as the museum remains temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Museum officials notified the affected employees, which includes gallery invigilators, retail assistants and other team members whose roles cannot be performed remotely, stating that the decision is temporary, in light of an uncertain future and they hope to rehire all staff when the museum opens again. The statement read: ‘The desire to support community health and well-being in accordance with government mandates requires MOCA to take significant measures in order to protect the public and the future of the institution,’ adding ‘We are continuing to work closely with MOCA’s union labor partner during these difficult times.’
Though not all affected employees are a part of the union, which was formed in December last year, the union will work with the museum to minimise the effects for all who have lost their jobs.
25 March 2020
