Art Institute employees have won their union

Dear colleagues,

Ballots are in, our votes have been counted, and in a tremendous show of solidarity and optimism, a majority of our coworkers said yes to our union, Art Institute of Chicago Workers United! In all the vote was 142 Yes, 44 No and 20 ballots not counted due to management challenges. Not only that, we also voted to form one bargaining unit for all museum titles, because together, we are stronger.

In five business days, the results of our election will be certified.

What’s next?

Now, as a union, we will take the next steps to shape our future at the museum, gathering in listening sessions, surveying needs to inform bargaining priorities, and nominating and electing our bargaining team. This is the time to make your voice heard, regardless of your involvement in AICWU organizing so far. Everyone is welcome and everyone is needed.

By the end of the month you will receive a bargaining survey, the results of which will inform our first contract. And please plan to join one of our upcoming informational meetings to learn more and get involved; specifics on dates and times will be shared next week.

This is an incredible achievement—for us, for Chicago, and for cultural institutions across the country. Take a deep breath and savor this moment.

Then, let’s get back to work.

In solidarity,

Your AICWU Organizing Committee