MEDIA ADVISORY – Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh Joins the Art Gallery of Ontario Black-Tie Picket Affair

TORONTO, ON, April 5, 2024 /CNW/ – Federal NDP party leader, Jagmeet Signh, will join workers on strike at the Art Gallery of Ontario today as they fight for a future at one of North America’s most prominent cultural institutions. 

Over 400 workers at the AGO, members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 535, have been on strike since March 26th against precarious work conditions for a 60% part-time work force and contracting out, also demanding a liveable wage offer. Singh’s visit comes on the heels of workers launching a public campaign on Friday, hosted on www.NoDealNoAGO.ca, where individuals can pledge to not cross their picket line until workers have a fair deal. This pressure campaign commits community members to not renewing their gallery membership, donating to the AGO, entering the gallery, or attending gallery events.

Workers are preparing a black-tie picket affair to coincide with the wedding of two prominent investment corporation and venture capital firm vice-presidents. After multiple failed attempts to contact the couple’s wedding planner, AGO workers hand-delivered a letter to the workplace of the groom on Friday, April 5th with the hope to open communication between parties. Even with a complete events schedule in hand, the AGO failed to settle with the union ahead of this weekend’s festivities – a disappointing lack of accountability their clients, who made arrangements well in advance and depend on the gallery to deliver on its commitments. 

WHAT: Black-tie picket line affair by Art Gallery of Ontario workers on strike
WHO: Federal NDP party leader, Jagmeet Singh; striking OPSEU/SEFPO Local 535 members; community allies
WHEN: Saturday, April 6th, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. 
WHERE: Front doors of the Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO)