Jeffrey Gundlach faces backlash after warning that AKG could close if union drive succeeds

In a social media post, he claimed the organizing push poses a threat to the museum’s future.

“Unionizers are descending on the Buffalo AKG Art Museum,” he wrote on X, formerly called Twitter. “The AKG is a cultural treasure for Western NY, the US and the world. 

“If the cost structure of the AKG, which is barely making it now, is increased, the museum will have to close. After recent (renovations) of $200 million,” he wrote Thursday night.

“The AKG is the sixth oldest cultural institution in America,” Gundlach wrote. “If the AKG has to close due to union cost pressures, there will be no jobs at all. No art at all. No incremental tourism at all. Roll the ‘talking proud’ video,” referring to the civic pride campaign slogan from the 1980s.

The post was deleted on Friday, but not before generating blowback from pro-labor voices and leaders of the organizing campaign, who said they are invested in the success of the museum, too.

“We are disappointed to read Mr. Gundlach’s remarks, the members of the union organizing committee said in a statement. “It is difficult to interpret them as anything short of alarmist and threatening.”

In a statement, the museum distanced itself from Gundlach’s social media post.