AFSCME Council 31’s union wins in Chicago's cultural sector

Anders Lindall, Tracey Dulceak and Nell McKeown from American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent union organizing successes in Chicago's cultural institutions and higher education.

Lindall highlighted AFSCME Council 31’s significant organizing efforts in Chicago's cultural sector, including recent union wins at iconic institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum. He emphasized the importance of bringing these workers into the labor movement and securing first contracts that improve wages, benefits and working conditions. Lindall also stressed the critical role of unions in protecting public services and workers' rights, especially in the face of anti-union extremism and budget cuts at the national level.

McKeown, from the Chicago History Museum, detailed the motivations behind their recent unionization effort, including the need for fair compensation, improved work-life balance and protection against retaliation. She highlighted the diverse roles within museums and the importance of recognizing the expertise and dedication of museum workers. McKeown also discussed the challenges faced by cultural institutions, including funding cuts and the expectation that workers should sacrifice fair compensation due to their passion for their work.

Finally, Dulceak shared her experience organizing at the College of DuPage, where classified staff recently filed for unionization. She emphasized the importance of ensuring all workers have a voice in the bargaining process, regardless of their employment status. Dulceak also touched on the challenges posed by management's use of compensation studies to freeze wages, which galvanized workers to seek union representation.

Listen to the full episode above to hear more about AFSCME Council 31’s organizing successes in Chicago's cultural sector and higher education.