Unionized workers at Film Forum, New York’s internationally acclaimed independent cinema, have successfully negotiated their first contract with the management of the downtown nonprofit. The forty-five-member union, which organized last year under the auspices of United Auto Workers Local 2110, voted overwhelmingly to ratify the new five-year contract, which runs from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2028. Its effective date coincides with when Deputy Director Sonya Chung takes the reins from Karen Cooper, who is departure after fifty years as a theater director.
“After eight months of negotiations, we are delighted to have reached an agreement on a union contract,” Stephanie Gross, the theater’s repertoire programming manager and member of the union’s bargaining committee, said in a statement. “This contract will make a real difference for the workers of Film Forum. The salary increases are long overdue and well deserved.
On average, salaries will increase by 12%, with entry-level administrative employees seeing the biggest gains, rising from a minimum annual salary of $35,000 to $46,000. All administrative staff will receive a minimum 5% increase on July 1, with subsequent increases of 4%, 3%, 4% and 4.5% each year through 2028. Part-time movie theater staff will receive a minimum of $18 or $19 per hour depending on the date of hire; these rates will increase to $22.50 or $23.50 by July 1, 2027. Facilities staff will earn at least $33 per hour, and the rate is expected to increase to $37.50 by July 1, 2027. July 2027.
The new contract gives workers more paid time off, establishes a 403(b) matching program, maintains one-time health coverage with no employee contributions, improves paid time off for theater and facility staff, and mandates four weeks of fully paid parental leave. paid. In addition, it lays the foundation for a binding grievance procedure, establishes a union-management committee, and provides health and safety protection and paid time off for diversity training. The contract further restricts Film Forum’s right to hire non-union contractors or temporary employees.
UAW Local 2110 represents workers at various cultural and educational institutions in New York and New England, including the modern Art Museum; THE Whitney Museum of American Art; THE Brooklyn Museum; THE Dia Art Foundation; THE Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Mass MoCA; and others.
