Locked-out Sotheby's worker, London 13.10.11 photo Kevin Parslow   (Click to enlarge)

Sotheby's 'bad for art'

Kevin Parslow

The international class struggle hit one of the more exclusive parts of London's West End on 13 October when professional art handlers at auction house Sotheby's salerooms in New York, members of the Teamsters union, took their protests to the London contemporary art auction.

Teamsters local 814 president Jason Ide and PCS members outside Sotheby's London, 13.10.11, photo Kevin Parslow   (Click to enlarge)

Jason Ide, president of Teamsters Local 814 in New York said to the Socialist: 'Despite record profits and growth, Sotheby's locked out all of their art handlers when they refused to accept worsened contracts. We have been locked out for two and a half months when we refused to accept an extra 30 minutes on the working day, reduction in overtime rates, the introduction of a 'permanent' class of temporary workers and having to train these new workers to do their jobs!'

Jason said they will continue their protests outside Sotheby's events wherever they happen around the world.

Locked-out Sotheby's workers and supporters behind banner, London 13.10.11, photo Kevin Parslow   (Click to enlarge)

The Teamsters were joined by members of the unions Unite, RMT and PCS in the protest. More information and how to support the workers' struggle can be found at this website: http://www.sothebysbadforart.com/content/

Locked out Sotheby's worker with Unite's AGS Tony Burke (right) and EC member Dave Mathieson, photo Kevin Parslow   (Click to enlarge)

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