Agreement clears the way for a broad range of policy changes and equity adjustments
MASS MoCA employees represented by UAW Local 2110 voted on November 23 to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement, after a 14-month negotiation process. The agreement includes substantive wage increases, as well as a range of new institution-wide benefits.
Also included in the contract are a broad range of enhanced benefits MASS MoCA announced to staff in June and implemented on October 1, which have now been formally accepted by the UAW. These include the LemonAid Fund, a mutual aid fund designed to grant financial assistance to employees facing sudden hardships, professional development reimbursement, and a bonus for full-time employees eligible for retirement. Additionally, over the last year, MASS MoCA initiated a comprehensive position-by-position equity increase in order to make salary levels equitable and nationally competitive. With this agreement, the organization-wide pay increases can include UAW represented employees, retroactive from June 30, 2022.
“This contract is a result of the willingness of each party to listen and genuinely consider the other’s objectives and concerns,” says Director Kristy Edmunds. “The way forward requires a shared optimism for the future, and the ability to meet our field-wide challenges with creativity and care. We are steadfast in our commitment to manifest positive change throughout our organization, starting with the people who work here, the communities we serve, and the artists who are the backbone of our mission. We are tremendously grateful to the patrons and supporters who ensure we can sustain MASS MoCA’s staff, facilities, programming, and the unique cultural purpose we champion with artists every day.”