Courtesy of Bobbie Ferrell
Online, Jan. 19: “Meow Wolf Workers Collective Claims Unfair Labor Practices”
Union, yes
I am writing in support of the Meow Wolf Workers Collective in their fight to win layoff protections and wage increases in their first union contract.
The MWWC represents more than 170 artists and exhibition staff, many of whom live in Santa Fe. Our workers, like so many others, are rapidly being priced out of the city. When Meow Wolf opened House of Eternal Return in 2016, it was hailed as a victory for local artists who made something truly unique to share with the world.
If we want to protect that, then we must protect the jobs of the people who built it. We must keep them safe from outsourcing and the whims of a market where artists are forced to fight each other for temporary contract gigs. With the labor of hundreds of workers (not just artists!), Meow Wolf is well on its way to becoming a national success, a multi-million dollar entertainment studio known the world over.
Surely, its workers have earned security by now. Surely, they have earned a wage increase that can keep their families housed in their hometown. I ask everyone to stand with local artists. Follow Meow Wolf Workers Collective (@MWWCNM) on Instagram and vocally share your support for organized labor in Santa Fe.
Bill Rodgers, Story Lead, Meow Wolf MWWC Organizer (CWA 7055)
SFR Picks, Feb. 9: “Big Times for Cats and Books”
Seeing
Thank you to the Santa Fe Reporter for covering my recent art exhibit, “Come See the Cats!” at Southside Branch Library in SF Picks of the Week. Numerous attendees mentioned seeing the column. Also, many thanks to Christa Grimes and Anna Kongs of Southside Branch for helping make my first solo show a success. Also, besides our incredible galleries and museums, the Main Branch and Southside Branch libraries showcase Santa Fe artists monthly.
Bobbie Ferrell, Santa Fe
Clarification:
Editor’s Note: Last week’s cover story mentioned that no fees had been paid to plaintiffs’ lawyers in the Yazzie/Martinez case. The court has not ordered such fees.
