A view along Fifth Avenue of the Guggenheim Museum taken in New York in 2009. (AFP)

With 97% of eligible workers voting in favor of the 2.5-year negotiation agreement, the union at the Guggenheim Museum has approved its first contract. The vote brings to an end nearly two years of talks between the unionized employees and museum administration, during which the former staged protests at high-profile events in an effort to draw attention to their cause.

"It feels great to have a contract that’s the culmination of all of our organizing efforts," Julie K. Smitka, an associate producer at the museum, said in a statement.

"It's transformative for our workplace. Not only are there increases that exceed what the Guggenheim historically granted, but we now have rights at work that are legally enforceable."

According to Maida Rosenstein, a union representative, the agreement ensures a least 9% wage increase over the following two and a half years, as well as increased retirement contributions, four weeks of paid family leave, and financing for professional training retroactive to July 1. Additionally, the contract stipulates minimum wages for both full-time and part-time workers.

Wage equity, greater transparency, and improved job security were among the demands made by the Guggenheim employees.

A second labor union, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30, which also includes employees at New York's MoMA PS1, was formed by 160 art handlers and facility workers at the museum two years prior to the change. Salary increases of about 10% are promised for the duration of the three-year deal, which was ratified with Local 30. While improvements to scheduling procedures and safety operations were promised, unionized staff were no longer compelled to pay health insurance payments.

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