Chicago's cultural institutions are witnessing a surge in unionization efforts among their employees, even during a tumultuous period for the sector. The recent ratification of contracts by museums such as the Adler Planetarium and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has sent a message that workers will no longer be taken for granted.
David Dowd, a former guest engagement employee at the Griffin Museum, was motivated to join the union bargaining committee after witnessing his colleagues' struggles with demanding roles and undervaluation by management. The museum's first union contract includes an average pay increase of 8% and new workplace protections, marking a significant victory for employees.
The wave of unionization is part of a nationwide effort led by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31. The campaign has already helped form unions at over 50,000 cultural workers across the country. In Illinois alone, 2,500 workers have formed unions at institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, and Shedd Aquarium.
As economic uncertainty looms over the sector, unions are expected to gain momentum. Anders Lindall, a spokesperson for AFSCME Council 31, believes that museums should be viewed as partners rather than adversaries during this challenging period. He notes that AFSCME joined a lawsuit blocking President Donald Trump's attempt to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and has since seen the institute reinstated its previously terminated grants.
The growing unionization movement is driven by rising inflation and economic challenges that have made it difficult for workers to make ends meet. Nonprofit museums and cultural sites often struggle to compete with private sector employers in terms of pay and benefits. Workers are pushing back against this trend, demanding better compensation and working conditions.
Local tipping points have played a significant role in fueling unionization efforts. The Art Institute of Chicago's successful unionization campaign is seen as a prime example, with its first contract ratified in 2023. Melissa Anderson, a library collection specialist at the Field Museum, notes that the museum's decision to establish a new grievance procedure and stronger disciplinary rights has made a significant difference in employee morale.
However, not all museums have been supportive of unionization efforts. The Chicago Botanic Garden is currently embroiled in a dispute with workers over the method for establishing a union. Management has requested a secret ballot election, while employees advocate for a union card-signing process. Former employee Kai Shin was fired after speaking out in favor of the union, and assistant horticulturist Lorilin Meyer reports feeling underpaid despite receiving a promotion.
The trend is expected to continue as museums struggle to adapt to an economic environment that is increasingly uncertain. As Robert Bruno, a professor of labor and employment relations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, notes, "It's going to increase dissatisfaction among workers. And as a result, they'll look to organizations to represent them and help protect them."
David Dowd, a former guest engagement employee at the Griffin Museum, was motivated to join the union bargaining committee after witnessing his colleagues' struggles with demanding roles and undervaluation by management. The museum's first union contract includes an average pay increase of 8% and new workplace protections, marking a significant victory for employees.
The wave of unionization is part of a nationwide effort led by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31. The campaign has already helped form unions at over 50,000 cultural workers across the country. In Illinois alone, 2,500 workers have formed unions at institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, and Shedd Aquarium.
As economic uncertainty looms over the sector, unions are expected to gain momentum. Anders Lindall, a spokesperson for AFSCME Council 31, believes that museums should be viewed as partners rather than adversaries during this challenging period. He notes that AFSCME joined a lawsuit blocking President Donald Trump's attempt to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and has since seen the institute reinstated its previously terminated grants.
The growing unionization movement is driven by rising inflation and economic challenges that have made it difficult for workers to make ends meet. Nonprofit museums and cultural sites often struggle to compete with private sector employers in terms of pay and benefits. Workers are pushing back against this trend, demanding better compensation and working conditions.
Local tipping points have played a significant role in fueling unionization efforts. The Art Institute of Chicago's successful unionization campaign is seen as a prime example, with its first contract ratified in 2023. Melissa Anderson, a library collection specialist at the Field Museum, notes that the museum's decision to establish a new grievance procedure and stronger disciplinary rights has made a significant difference in employee morale.
However, not all museums have been supportive of unionization efforts. The Chicago Botanic Garden is currently embroiled in a dispute with workers over the method for establishing a union. Management has requested a secret ballot election, while employees advocate for a union card-signing process. Former employee Kai Shin was fired after speaking out in favor of the union, and assistant horticulturist Lorilin Meyer reports feeling underpaid despite receiving a promotion.
The trend is expected to continue as museums struggle to adapt to an economic environment that is increasingly uncertain. As Robert Bruno, a professor of labor and employment relations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, notes, "It's going to increase dissatisfaction among workers. And as a result, they'll look to organizations to represent them and help protect them."
just read about all these museums goin union it's like 
solidarity with employees who deserve better pay & benefits 
especially since inflation's been 
through the roof lately. museums should be supportin their staff, not tryna squeeze every last penny outta them 
hope the Chicago Botanic Garden gets its act together tho 
. Like, museums have been around for ages, but they're still expected to do all this work without being treated fairly? It's time for them to step up and show some love 
. This unionization movement is about workers having a say in how their workplaces run, and I think it's awesome that people like David Dowd are taking a stand 
!
The recent surge in unionization efforts among Chicago's cultural institutions is a heartening development that signals a shift towards greater worker empowerment and recognition of their contributions 
. As the economic landscape becomes increasingly uncertain, it's reassuring to see employees standing together to demand better pay, benefits, and working conditions 
. The success stories, such as the Adler Planetarium and Griffin Museum, demonstrate that collective action can lead to tangible gains for workers 
. However, the ongoing disputes at institutions like the Chicago Botanic Garden highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to labor negotiations 
.
. I mean, museums are already struggling financially, now their employees want more money and better benefits? It's just gonna lead to more problems down the line. Like what happens when they start getting too big for their britches? I don't want to see all these museums becoming just like private companies, losing that community feel. And what about the ones that can't afford to unionize? They're gonna get left behind 
. It's already crazy enough with inflation and all...
. It's about time, considering the work they do is so valuable (and I'm not just saying that because I spent an entire day at the Adler Planetarium trying to figure out how to get the toilet paper roll to spin in circles). But seriously, 8% pay increase? That's like finding a $10 bill on the street – it's a nice surprise! 
. 8% pay increase might not seem like much but it’s still something, right? And new workplace protections are a huge deal. I can imagine how frustrating it must be to feel like you’re not being taken seriously by management 
. The fact that unions are forming at museums across the country is really encouraging, though 
.
unionization efforts are definitely needed in the cultural institutions scene you feel like they're finally being recognized as workers with rights and not just volunteers or whatever 
not on our watch! 
But seriously, this is going to change the game for museum work - expect more museums to start unionizing in the coming months.
. I'm glad AFSCME is stepping in as a support system – we need more of that! 
. The fact that they're fighting for better pay and working conditions is a big win 
. I mean, who doesn't want to be treated fairly and paid a decent wage 
. The Art Institute of Chicago's success is definitely a prime example, but it's also concerning to hear that some museums are still being resistant to change 
. Like, the Chicago Botanic Garden dispute is pretty concerning - who gets fired for speaking out in support of a union? That's just not right 
.
. It's all about worker rights and fair treatment 
it's not just about the money tho, it's about being treated fairly and having some say in the workplace. i'm loving the fact that museums like the adler planetarium and griffin museum of science and industry are setting a good example for others to follow 
unionization efforts are gaining momentum nationwide too, and it's crazy to think that 50k+ cultural workers have formed unions across the country 
even tho it's not all sunshine & rainbows - there are still museums that rnt supporting their employees like the chicago botanic garden is dealing w/ a major dispute rn 
hopefully, more museums will follow suit & prioritize their staff's well-being