Workers at the Noguchi Museum Initiate Unionization Effort

### Noguchi Museum Workers Unionize in Response to Concerns Over Workplace Practices

In a significant step towards enhancing workplace equity and transparency, workers at the Noguchi Museum in New York City have initiated the process of unionizing. Staff from various departments—including administrative, curatorial, education, and visitor services—have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to form a union under Local 2110 United Auto Workers (UAW). This effort aims to create a “wall-to-wall” union, ensuring that all staff members, whether full or part-time and regardless of their specific roles, are eligible to join.

#### The Push for Transparency and Fair Labor Conditions

One of the primary reasons cited by Noguchi Museum employees for unionization is the need for greater transparency in workplace operations and policies. Staff have voiced concerns about “better conditions” within the institution, which is nestled in Queens. Despite their shared dedication to the museum, workers have expressed a desire for more sustainable labor conditions.

“We all care about the Noguchi Museum, and I want the working conditions to be sustainable so that staff can continue doing the jobs that we love,” said Austin Kim, an archives associate at the museum.

#### Advocating for an Inclusive Workplace

The call for forming a union comes with a broader vision of cultivating an “equitable, inclusive, and transparent” work environment. This intention was further emphasized in a statement shared on Instagram by unionizing staff members. Workers are vying for the right to have their voices and contributions fairly acknowledged, as highlighted by Mariko Aoyagi, a part-time educator at the institution. “The staff are an integral part of the Museum, and our contribution and viewpoint should be recognized by the Museum,” Aoyagi noted in the union’s press release.

Staff elections to finalize the unionization decision are scheduled to take place on January 9 and 11, a process that could mark a pivotal moment for labor advocacy within the museum.

#### The Broader Context of Policy Backlash

This movement toward unionization follows a period of controversy for the museum. Earlier this year, the institution came under fire after it terminated three employees—Trasonia Abbott, Natalie Cappellini, and Q. Chen—for wearing keffiyehs, a traditional Arab headscarf that symbolizes Palestinian solidarity. The termination reportedly stemmed from a new staff dress code policy that banned such attire.

The incident sparked outrage among workers and the broader community, leading to collective protests. Around 60 individuals gathered at the museum to condemn the policy, highlighting what many viewed as an infringement on freedom of expression. In a further show of solidarity, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri declined the museum’s 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in response to the controversy. The uproar has intensified calls for more inclusive and transparent policies, adding another layer of urgency to the unionization effort.

#### The Road Ahead

Despite the museum employing over 70 workers, the vast majority—more than 50 employees—signed a petition in August denouncing the dress code policy and calling for immediate changes. This collective action underscores the workforce’s determination to influence institutional policies and protect employee rights.

However, the Noguchi Museum has not yet publicly commented on the unionization effort, leaving questions about how the leadership will respond. The forthcoming elections in January will play a pivotal role in determining the future of labor dynamics within the institution and beyond.

#### A Broader Labor Movement in the Arts

Unionization efforts at the Noguchi Museum align with a broader labor movement among art and cultural institutions across the United States. In recent years, museums and galleries have faced growing scrutiny regarding labor practices, pay equity, and workplace inclusion. From gallery attendants to curators, members of the arts community have increasingly advocated for fair working conditions alongside accountability from institutional leadership.

The unionization process at the Noguchi Museum is not just about improving conditions for its workers—it is also a call for transformation across the sector. It represents a move to align cultural institutions with contemporary expectations of equity, diversity, and labor ethics.

With growing public attention on the museum’s labor practices and policy decisions, the outcome of this union drive could set a precedent for other cultural organizations, particularly those grappling with similar internal challenges. As the vote approaches, the eyes of the art world will undoubtedly remain fixed on the Noguchi Museum, signaling the potential for change not only within its walls but across the entire industry.