Adler Planetarium workers set to begin bargaining

Workers at the Adler Planetarium overwhelmingly voted “Union Yes!” in an election held on Dec. 11, and now, with their union officially certified by the National Labor Relations Board, they’re getting ready to hit the bargaining table to negotiate their first union contract.

Now that they’re certified, Adler Planetarium Workers United/AFSCME represents some 70 employees responsible for every aspect of the institution’s operations.

Since it first opened to the public in 1930, Adler employees have brought the wonders of space nearer than ever for countless visitors. 

Workers say their concerns—about inadequate staff and resources, changes to procedures without input from employees, and other issues—“come from a place of love and appreciation for the Adler and the communities we serve”, and that forming their union is “an opportunity for discussion, growth, and change”.

Now the new AFSCME members will begin electing a bargaining committee so they can begin to address those concerns at the bargaining table.

Adler workers are following the lead of other cultural institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and many more, who all formed their unions with AFSCME in recent years to fight for fair pay, dignity and respect on the job.