Mutual Aid for Laid-Off AKG Workers

Hi everyone! This is Zaned from the AKG Workers United Union. I'm writing on behalf of myself and my team, as several members from the Visitor Expirence Department (VEX) are set to be laid off on April 3rd, 2025.

After we won our union and ratified our first contract in December, we believed this would mark the start of a collaborative relationship with museum leadership where both workers and the museum could thrive together. Instead, the AKG has slashed 60% of the largest unionized department, laying off 13 VEX in addition to the 15 who were already lost. This is on top of ongoing retaliation against union members, including punishing workers for speaking out and unjustly disciplining workers.

These layoffs were announced just after the AKG posted job openings for 11 new NON-union security guards. This is not a coincidence-it is a blatant act of retaliation against workers who fought for fair wages, protections, and a voice on the job.

The demographic of workers who are set to be laid off are mostly POC and disabled and rely on this job for secure housing and healthcare. With less than a month to prepare for such a loss, this layoff is an absolute threat to their livelihoods. The AKG has given us little to no recourse and has forced us to look to the larger Buffalo community for support. As workers, we've created this GoFundMe to serve as a safety net for them during this time of uncertainty. We urge you to donate, as the money will be split amongst the workers affected and go towards covering their rent, utilities, groceries, medications, transportation, and other living expenses. Thank you for your contributions!

In Solidarity,

Zaned and the AKG Workers United Union