Chicago Museum Workers Secure Wage Boosts and Benefits in Union Deal

Major Gains for Museum of Science & Industry Employees in New Union Contract

In a significant development for the staff at Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry, employees have secured substantial wage hikes, holiday pay benefits, and a variety of other improvements through their inaugural union contract.

Members of the Museum of Science and Industry Workers United, part of AFSCME, nearly unanimously approved the contract's terms in a vote conducted in November. The formation of this union under AFSCME Council 31 took place in July 2023, and it now represents over 120 staff members at the museum.

Key Contract Provisions

• Immediate salary increases ranging from 8% to 10%
• Increased starting wages
• Holiday pay at time-and-a-half for part-time staff
• Provisions on non-economic issues such as remote work guidelines and disciplinary procedures

Santi Van Lysebettens, a member of the MSIWU bargaining committee, commented on the contract, stating, "It was a tough fight, but by standing together, we — the workers who make the museum happen — made real gains for ourselves and our families. And this is only the beginning. We’ve laid a strong foundation that together in our union we can build on for years to come."

This agreement was reached after nearly two years of bargaining, culminating in a strike authorization by union members. An agreement was reached after a prolonged seven-hour negotiation session, averting a strike planned for November 29, the Saturday following Thanksgiving.

AFSCME Council 31 has been actively involved in unionizing workers at various cultural institutions in the Chicago area, including the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. The AFSCME Cultural Workers United is spearheading the largest campaign in the country to organize employees at museums and other cultural venues, representing 50,000 workers in museums, zoos, libraries, and similar institutions—more than any other union.