To Victor Rabinovitch: a raise for museum workers, already
When I was off work looking after Mallory, one of my – and her – favourite things to do was go to the Museum of Science and Technology. Some of the reasons for that have nothing to do with the strike by 420 PSAC members who work at the War Museum and Museum of Civilization. Science and Tech was closer to our house, for example.
But one thing that struck me about this strike – the revolving door staff issues they have – has everything to do with why the Children’s Museum isn’t that great for children.
See, at Science and Tech, I could go there and see the same guides, demonstrators and security people, week in week out. They knew Mallory’s name. We chatted. They looked out for me when I left Mallory’s stroller unattended. Rather than impound it with security, they just came and found me.
When I forgot Mallory’s stuffy toy there and called the museum – meltdown going on in the background – they knew who I was, knew about Eeyore and agreed to meet me at the front door with it after they’d closed.
At Science and Tech, they’re much better paid. The people stick around. They love their work. They’re committed to what they do.
The Childrens’ Museum (and the Museum of Civilization which hosts it) is newer, sexier and prettier. But the staff are invisible. And if you’ve paid, checked your coat and diaper bag (whether you want to or not), staff really don’t have much to say to you.
I now know why – they’re run off their feet and probably worried that they’ll be given the disconnected contract treatment to keep their employer from having to commit to them with pesky things like benefits and such. And time spent chatting with the visitors is time not spent impressing the boss.
I’m sure they all love the work they do, and are trying to do their best. But until their employer commits to them, they’re always going to have to look at the horizon to figure out what comes next, when they should be focused on their jobs.
You can’t run a museum without people and there are a lot of people who make these museums happen. They deserve our support and our patronage. And despite how poorly their staff are treated, they’re still fine places to take your kids. But mister Rabinovich, try treating your people better. You’ll see – it’ll pay big dividends.
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:32 pm
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