KTVU reports that police arrested 19 protesters who took part in a demonstration Friday night that blocked the doors of the de Young Museum. The protest occurred during the Friday Night at the de Young Museum event.
The demonstration stemmed from a contract dispute between museum workers represented by SEIU Local 1021 and the Corporation of Fine Arts Museums, which manages the de Young and the Legion of Honor. Larry Bradshaw, the vice president of SEIU Local 1021, said union members are rejecting the Corporation of Fine Arts Museums' latest contract proposal because it would allow new workers to be hired at significantly lower salaries and would force employees to contribute more to their health care benefits.
But Ken Garcia, the director of communications and government relations for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, said workers at the de Young earn more than workers at other museums in San Francisco.
KTVU said Friday night's demonstration drew about 100 protestors; the SEIU Tweeted that there were 300 protesters. You can watch video of the protesters singing "We Shall Overcome" on Facebook. There also is a photo showing law enforcement officers talking to protesters on Twitter.
Over a dozen SEIU 1021 members getting arrested at the De Young Museum right now. twitter.com/dinaleeboyer/s…
— Dina Boyer (@dinaleeboyer) September 8, 2012