CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Employees at the Museum of Science and Industry have voted overwhelmingly to unionize, according to officials with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31.
Results from the National Labor Relations Board showed about 75% voted to create the Museum of Science and Industry Workers United.
The group will represent about 140 employees who work in guest experiences, guest operations and the museum's education department.
“We came together out of care for one another as coworkers and out of love for this museum and the communities we serve,” said the Museum of Science and Industry organizing committee in a press release.
Union officials accused the museum of trying to stall and “sow tension” among employees.
In a statement to WBBM, Museum of Science and Industry spokesperson Kelsey Ryan said the museum respects "an employee’s right to choose or decline union representation."
"Our priority is to continue building our positive workplace culture that supports the Museum of Science and Industry and benefits the greater Chicago community," Ryan said.
A unionization vote was also held for a smaller group of employees, but the results from that vote have not yet been finalized.
According to its website, the museum sees nearly 1.5 million guests each year, approximately 40% of which visit for free.
Employees at the museum first announced plans to unionize in April 2023. More than 50 workers signed an open letter, in which they called for pay increases, professional development and improved health and safety protocols.
In March 2023, employees at the Field Museum approved a union contract while those at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum filed for an election.
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