(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- There’s a new addition to Chicago’s growing labor movement, now that workers at Chicago's Newberry Library have voted to unionize.
The National Labor Relations Board says an election was held Tuesday and more than 75% of the votes cast were in favor of joining the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Newberry Workers United/AFSCME will represent more than 60 employees, including conservators, librarians, library assistants, program coordinators and program assistants.
In a letter released in August, the Newberry employees’ organizing committee said workers want better wages and benefits, safer working conditions and predictable schedules.
The independent research library, which sits on West Walton Street, first opened in 1887.
Its employees join the growing list of cultural workers represented by AFSCME. The union also represents employees at the Art Institute of Chicago.
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