Striking workers at the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation have opened an exhibit of their own, highlighting the individual struggles of striking workers.
The “Striking Treasures” photography exhibit, which opens Thursday outside the Museum of Civilization, showcases portraits of 200 workers who are in their fifth week of picketing. Over 400 guides, cashiers, and floor staff – members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada – walked out on Sept. 21. Negotiations in early October broke down again after the corporation refused to offer further job protections.
According to a union press release sent out on Wednesday, the purpose of the new exhibition is to emphasize the determination and commitment of the striking workers. Eric Pallotta, the exhibition’s project manager, hopes that the exhibit will raise public awareness of both the issues surrounding the strike and the importance of heritage jobs.
“We want people to know who we are and what we do,” he says. “We want to send a message about our role in the promotion of Canadian heritage.”
Pallotta says that much of the work that employees do behind the scenes goes unrecognized by the public. Even the original inspiration for the exhibit, he says, came from a museum photographer who “wanted to take pictures of how we are on the picket line.”
This is not the first time that the striking workers have offered their own exhibitions and programming. According to union advisories, workers have been providing alternative children’s programming for at least two weekends during the strike, featuring labour-related skits and crafts. Pallotta says that the “Striking Treasures” exhibit is the next step in getting the government and corporation’s attention.
“Ultimately, we want to get back to work,” he says.