Although Sotheby’s has done little to temper the angry mob outside its doors, it is clear that the cacophony of whistles and chants are penetrating the thick Sotheby’s walls. Unfortunately, this has only led to increase security measures and little in terms of working to negotiate a fair contract with its art handlers.
Recently, however, Sotheby’s CEO William Ruprecht was asked to address the protesters in an interview with Bloomberg. Here is what he had to say:
“I don’t think anyone thinks this is any fun,” Sotheby’s Chief Executive William Ruprecht said in an interview after last night’s sale. “We’d love to conclude this in a way that’s equitable for everyone.”
The locked out art handlers certainly do not think “this is any fun.” Sotheby’s is threatening to shorten their hours and replace half the workforce with contracted temps. Some of the arthandlers who have been working for the company for more than 40 years feel it is insulting that Sotheby’s thinks temps can provide the same service that has taken them years to learn.