Latest News
Metropolitan Cuts Major Loan Shows By A Quarter
From The Art Newspaper
Originally Published Sept. 1, 2009
This article outlines changes in the Museum's policy toward exhibitions in the future. Read More...
For Your Health...
Unofficial 1503 Administrator
Posted Sept. 7, 2009
Many of us spend inordinate amounts of time on our feet, so it is important to protect ourselves from injury by through regular exercise and a proper diet. One major concern is knee health and preventative strenthening of the knee joint could save hours of recooperation time from a long work week. The New York Times posted a video outlining a number of exercises designed to strenthen the knee joint and increase stability. As with most exercises, consult a physician before you embark on any exercise regiment. Watch Video...
Update: Important New Documents Uploaded to Unofficial 1503
Unofficial 1503 Administrator
Posted June 22, 2009
Thanks to Executive Board member Eric Haynes, we have obtained a number of new documents two of which are available for download on Unofficial 1503. Simply go to the "Important Documents" section of this website.
The new documents include the new "2008-2010 City Contract", and the "Duties of Officers and Executive Board" reference sheet. In addition, we will be posting the "Collective Bargaining Agreement" with the museum once we obtain a digital version.
We are continually working to improve this site and provide information that is helpful and relevant. Suggestions for additional documents or information not currently found on this website are greatly appreciated. Help to empower yourself, others and our local by submitting your ideas in the "Comments and Suggestions" section.
Major Layoffs Continue, Information Not Forthcoming
Editorial Commentary
Posted June 17, 2009
As much of the membership remains in the dark concerning their jobs the museum continues its cost cutting measures. Sources have revealed that there has been an entire class in the security department laid off, as well as a couple of other positions of which we are awaiting verification.
We at Unofficial 1503 are making every effort to make sure the facts are correct before posting them, however, the Executive Board of our local has been less than forthcoming on matters most relevant to its members, e.g. job security, contract negotiations, benefits and the list goes on.
In a vacuum of information, membership must turn to one another to get information. This is far from ideal. It is circumstances like this which lead to conjecture, rumor and gossip. Either the Executive Board is utterly oblivious to this, or holds its membership in such blatant disregard as to encourage this environment either openly or by silently condoning it.
It is likely this silence will continue based upon past performance. So those of us who remain employed at the museum and who stand to suffer irrevocable damage from mismanagement and lack of leadership must try to minimize the damage to our contract currently in negotiation and make sure that any elections or ballots are carefully monitored.
Come November, if Local 1503 remains intact, and competent members have replaced those who lack leadership, we must establish a system of removal for those individuals who are either incapable, unmotivated or self-interested to enact the will of the membership. This Union is its membership. Some people forget that.
DC 37 Cultural Institutions Health and Security Plan Trust Cuts Benefits
Posted Mar. 2nd, 2009
According to the Trustees and fiduciaries of the DC 37, the current financial climate has severely impacted the Trust, requiring a resturcturing of the benefits package. The responsibility for maintenence of this Trust is something the Trustees claim is a responsibility they do not take lightly. To that end, it was a decision based upon months of deliberation and review where every option was discussed. The result is a reduction of a number of our benefits provided by the Trust.
Additionally, a more detailed report as presented by Robert Schirmer, Chairman, of the Cultural Institutions Health and Security Plan Trust can be downloaded. More...
Your Input is Needed
Posted July 2nd, 2008
In order to make this site a sucess, we need the input of the membership. Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated and will be considered for inclusion on the next update. If there is anything that's been overlooked, unclear or you think we should include, please let us know. This is a work in progress. The more information we get up, the more helpful this site will become. We can be contacted on the Comments page. Click Here