Chicago's Griffin Museum of Science and Industry to Go on Strike if Contract Talks Don't Progress
In a move that could impact millions of visitors this winter, museum staff are set to strike November 29 unless contract negotiations with management yield significant progress. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union, which represents over 120 employees in various departments, has been negotiating a deal since the union's inception two years ago.
The main sticking points for workers include a pay increase, with nearly one-third of union members earning the citywide minimum wage of $16.60 an hour – significantly lower than the hourly wage that most workers earn above that threshold. Furthermore, some employees are paid without holiday compensation and do not receive bilingual premium pay or parental leave.
"Employees often work second jobs, skip meals and still struggle to support their families," AFSCME stated in a statement, emphasizing the need for fair benefits. The union's bargaining committee has expressed frustration with management's lack of progress, stating that "it's way past time for management to do what's right."
While museum management claims to value its employees, it appears they are not willing to meet the union's demands. In a recent statement, the museum promised to engage in dialogue and work towards a resolution that supports both staff and visitors, but so far, significant movement remains elusive.
The impending strike has attracted attention from neighboring institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum, which have also joined AFSCME Council 31. Employees are now united in their pursuit of fair benefits and wages, leaving only time until November 29 to determine if their efforts will pay off.
In a move that could impact millions of visitors this winter, museum staff are set to strike November 29 unless contract negotiations with management yield significant progress. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union, which represents over 120 employees in various departments, has been negotiating a deal since the union's inception two years ago.
The main sticking points for workers include a pay increase, with nearly one-third of union members earning the citywide minimum wage of $16.60 an hour – significantly lower than the hourly wage that most workers earn above that threshold. Furthermore, some employees are paid without holiday compensation and do not receive bilingual premium pay or parental leave.
"Employees often work second jobs, skip meals and still struggle to support their families," AFSCME stated in a statement, emphasizing the need for fair benefits. The union's bargaining committee has expressed frustration with management's lack of progress, stating that "it's way past time for management to do what's right."
While museum management claims to value its employees, it appears they are not willing to meet the union's demands. In a recent statement, the museum promised to engage in dialogue and work towards a resolution that supports both staff and visitors, but so far, significant movement remains elusive.
The impending strike has attracted attention from neighboring institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum, which have also joined AFSCME Council 31. Employees are now united in their pursuit of fair benefits and wages, leaving only time until November 29 to determine if their efforts will pay off.
this museum staff strike thingy is really worrying 
millions of visitors are gonna get affected I feel bad for the workers tho 
they deserve better pay & benefits 
like how can you expect people to support their families with 16.60 an hour minimum wage? 
it's not right that some employees aren't getting holiday compensation or bilingual premium pay either 
the union is trying hard but museum management seems super stuck in its ways 
can you believe it's been 10 years since that sloth went viral? anyway back to the museum, I feel bad for those employees who have to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. $16.60 an hour is basically minimum wage, even in chicago 
and what's with no holiday pay? don't they deserve a break or something? it's like, we go on vacation so they can recover, right? 
I'm gonna go listen to some tunes now, this conversation about museums and unions is making me sleepy 
. They deserve way more than that for all the hard work they put in. It's not like they're asking for the moon here, just some basic human rights like holiday pay, bilingual pay, and parental leave 
. I'm rooting for these workers to get their demands met on Nov 29, fingers crossed 
. It's crazy that the museum is all about supporting its visitors but not its own staff 
. Anyway, I'm sure the strike will attract a ton of attention from all over, including other museums in the city 
. Time will tell if they'll get what they want, but I got my fingers crossed for them 
, but it's crazy that some employees aren't even getting holiday pay 
. If management is really committed to valuing its employees, they should meet them halfway 
This whole situation is kinda crazy. I mean, you gotta feel for the workers at the Griffin Museum - they're already putting in a ton of effort just to support themselves, let alone their families. It's not right that some of them are struggling to make ends meet, working second jobs and all that.
, but at the same time, management needs to show that they're willing to listen and compromise. A strike can have a big impact on visitors this winter, so I hope both sides can find a way to come together 
I mean, can you imagine not being able to visit the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry because they won't negotiate with the union? It's like, what even is that?! 
The AFSCME reps are fighting for basic stuff like holiday pay and parental leave – it's not too much to ask, right? 
they're literally workin second jobs just to make ends meet! it's so unfair that some ppl are gettin paid minimum wage w/o even holiday pay or parental leave 
the fact dat neighboring institutions r showin support 4 AFSCME Council 31 is actually kinda cool 
and it's so beautiful! i was at the museum last month and it's really cool they have all these exhibits on science and stuff 
but now i'm kinda worried about the strike? i mean, the workers seem to be getting pretty unfair treatment - $16.60 an hour is like, super low 
Need some serious support from management, 'specially with holiday pay and all that jazz 
. Don't get me wrong, I love visitin' the museum as much as the next person, but employees gotta be treated right too 
I mean, come on! They're like, "Hey, we value our employees!" but then they don't actually do anything about it. It's like, "We love you, but can you please just pay us more?" 
The union is all, "No way, man! We need some serious cash to make ends meet" 
. It's gonna be a wild winter at the museum! 
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. The union is right on point with their demands – we need better benefits and wages for our hardworking public servants 
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. The museum management needs to step up their game & meet those demands ASAP, 'cause this strike is gonna affect TONS of people coming in during winter break 