The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has reached a significant milestone as its workers voted in favor of unionizing, with a majority of over 75% in agreement, as reported by the Shedd Workers United organizing committee, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. This union drive, part of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 (AFSCME), seeks not only to improve working conditions but also to address a variety of concerns raised by the aquarium's employees.
The efforts to unionize come after workers expressed grievances, such as work-life imbalances, financial difficulties, and a lack of clear communication from management. According to an open letter from employees, which was highlighted in coverage from AFSCME, these issues contributed to a “unsustainable working environment” with ramifications like high turnover and compromised animal welfare. Employees, who announced their plans to unionize in April following previous unaddressed concerns, aim to use the union as a platform to enact positive change both for themselves and for the care of the animals.
The unionization effort will provide representation for approximately 300 Shedd Aquarium workers across various departments, including Animal Care, Learning & Community, and Guest Relations, to name a few. "We won by overcoming management’s divisive anti-union campaign,” the organizing committee conveyed, urging management to respect their stance and acknowledge them as equals at the negotiating table.
In May, the Shedd Workers United accused Shedd management of employing anti-union tactics, allegations that included "scare tactics and misinformation in an attempt to confuse, divide, and intimidate workers," a statement made according to the Chicago Sun-Times. However, despite these challenges, the employees persisted, and their determination to form a union was described as "inspirational" by AFSCME Council 31 executive director Roberta Lynch, in a statement obtained by AFSCME's blog.
The Shedd Aquarium staff join a growing list of cultural institution workers in Chicago who have recently unionized, including those at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Newberry Library. The Shedd Workers United union aims to negotiate their first contract and establish a new dynamic of cooperation and respect with aquarium management going forward, as their union becomes certified by AFSCME Council 31.
