Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Art Handlers Up at Christie's; Down at Sotheby's?

July 11, 2011 by Marion Maneker

The Wall Street Journal has news that Sotheby’s art handlers are having trouble coming to a new union contract with their employer:

Sotheby’s wants to offer buyouts and replace some of the unionized art handlers with nonunion labor, according to Teamsters Local 814 President Jason Ide.

The union, however, says the auction house shouldn’t be asking for concessions on the heels of the second-most-profitable period in its history. […]

“They’ve had an amazing year and that’s a testament to the success of their business, but it’s also a testament to the abilities” of handlers and other employees, Mr. Ide said.

“Some of our longest-term workers who have the most skill in handling rare furniture, Picassos, Old Master paintings—who really know the packing and the crating—they’re talking about eliminating those jobs,” he said. “I think it just shows the lack of respect for the skill that goes into these jobs.” […]

The union completed negotiations with Christie’s in April, striking a four-year deal under which the auction house agreed to increase headcount to 49 from 46 by September, and then to 51 by March 2012.

Sotheby’s, Handlers Aim to Close Deal (Wall Street Journal)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • American Collectors of Nabis Donate $380m Collection to Musee d’OrsayAmerican Collectors of Nabis Donate $380m Collection to Musee d’Orsay
  • Robert Indiana’s Misunderstood ‘Love’ Gains ValueRobert Indiana’s Misunderstood ‘Love’ Gains Value
  • Sotheby's NY Mag Jewels $34.6mSotheby's NY Mag Jewels $34.6m
  • Timothy Sammons Faces Extradition to USTimothy Sammons Faces Extradition to US
  • Jackson/Warhol ReduxJackson/Warhol Redux
  • The New York Times Still Doesn’t Get Art & Money LaunderingThe New York Times Still Doesn’t Get Art & Money Laundering

Filed Under: General

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor