Comptroller Stringer Urges Studio in a School to Facilitate Free and Fair Election to Unionize with UAW Local 2110

(New York, NY) — Today, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer called on Studio in a School to facilitate a free and fair election to unionize with UAW Local 2110 and refrain from any attempts to aggressively campaign against unionization or undermine the balloting process. Highlighting the importance of arts education for New York City’s students and the vital service these workers provide, Comptroller Stringer emphasized that the artists and workers of Studio in a School deserve to have their voice heard for a fairer and more equitable workplace.

The full letter is available below and here.

Dear Ms. Scott-Williams,

I am writing to express my support for talented teaching artists and hardworking administrative staff of Studio in a School NYC and their drive to unionize with UAW Local 2110. These workers deserve to participate in a balloting process that is fair and free of any coercion or intimidation. While, I am heartened to learn that Studio in a School has entered into an agreement to a llow for an election, I stress that the real test of management’s commitment to an equitable workplace is to refrain from any attempts to try and aggressively campaign against unionization or undermine the balloting process. Studio in a School’s artists and staff provide a vital service to our children and to our City and deserve to have their voice heard in the workplace. I ask that the management of Studio in a School allow teachers and staff to organize with UAW Local 2110 without interference.

The artists and staff of Studio in a School are at the heart of the institution’s mission to bring the benefits of the arts to New York City schoolchildren. As Comptroller I have advocated for increased provision of arts education to school children because I know full well how exposure to the arts can transform the lives and worldview of our children. The dedicated professional artists and staff of Studio in a School deserve our thanks, but moreover they deserve a workplace which prizes their contributions. These workers should have collective bargaining rights and more voice as to their pay, schedule flexibility, and treatment in the workplace.

Unions are an important part of our City’s cultural landscape. Workers at institutions like the Museum of Modern Art, the New York Historical Society, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Tenement Museum, or the Guggenheim are represented by unions who advocate for living wages and benefits. Studio in a School should recognize that unions play a crucial role in creating a stronger, more sustainable arts sector.

I urge Studio in a School to facilitate a fair election and refrain from any attempts to sway the will of their workers. Artists thrive on free expression. They must now be allow to express their preference for a fairer workplace.

Sincerely,

Scott M. Stringer

###