Cultural Workers

Mar. 02, 2026

News

American Library Association employees forming union with AFSCME

Joining the wave of union organizing among cultural workers, employees of the primarily Chicago-based American Library Association (ALA) announced they are forming their union with AFSCME Council 31.

American Library Association employees forming union with AFSCME

Jan. 21, 2026

News

Adler Planetarium workers set to begin bargaining after voting 'Union YES!'

Workers at the Adler Planetarium overwhelmingly voted “Union Yes!” in an election held on Dec. 11. 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.

Adler Planetarium workers set to begin bargaining after voting 'Union YES!'

Museum of Science and Industry employees outside the museum.

Dec. 20, 2025

News

Museum of Science and Industry workers win higher wages in first contract

Employees of the Museum of Science & Industry have won significant wage increases, holiday pay, and other improvements in their first union contract.

Museum of Science and Industry workers win higher wages in first contract

A stock image of a librarian in a row of books.

Dec. 09, 2025

News

AFSCME-backed lawsuit forces reinstatement of federal museum and library funding

The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will release millions in grant funding to libraries and museums it was withholding.

AFSCME-backed lawsuit forces reinstatement of federal museum and library funding

Museum of Science and Industry employees

Sep. 24, 2025

News

Museum of Science and Industry employees vote to authorize strike

Museum of Science & Industry (MSI) employees represented by AFSCME Council 31 announced on Sept. 23 that they have voted to authorize a strike if necessary.

Museum of Science and Industry employees vote to authorize strike