Detroit Institute of Arts workers demand pay increase to $15 per hour

A group of service workers at the Detroit Institute of Arts is demanding the museum increase their pay to $15 per hour.

The demand was shared in a letter to DIA Staff Action, a group of museum employees who are calling for director Salvador Salort-Pons to be "removed from his role" by Aug. 31, citing recent allegations of racial insensitivity and nepotism in a matter involving the loaning of two paintings to the museum. DIA Staff action shared the letter on their Instagram account on Thursday.

"Our concern is a certain lack of respect by the institution for workers on the 'lower levels,' particularly those who engage and serve (with care for the museum and with the utmost decency) the public," the letter says. "This includes the visitor services department, environmental services, museum shop workers, guest sales, public programming, security staff, maintenance... the list could go on."

The letter writers cited the renewed millage that voters approved in March, which collects property taxes from the tri-county area to support the museum. They also say they deserve more money for working during the coronavirus pandemic.

Read more: https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2020/07/24/detroit-institute-of-arts-workers-demand-15-per-hour-pay-increase