One of four versions of Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” sold for nearly $120 million at Sotheby’s, setting a world record for the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. Sotheby’s will receive the standard 20 percent commission, having by most accounts handled the artwork splendidly.
Nine months ago, Sotheby’s locked out its 43 unionized art handlers during negotiations with the Teamsters Local 814. Sotheby’s says it doesn’t need the union or its 43 full-time employees with benefits; the current part-time staff (working without benefits) is doing just fine. Teamsters will confront board members this morning at the annual shareholder meeting. Several of the locked-out employees will be on hand listening to both sides carefully: they are also shareholders (NYSE: BID).
