This Is What a Union Looks Like

Look to your left, look to your right! This is YOUR union! 

Good evening and happy Friday colleagues,

Thank you for making yesterday’s rally such a positive and successful event. Whether you were there in person or in spirit, we are so grateful for your support and all of your input over the past week. Our lineup of inspiring speakers from the museum and the school spoke to a crowd of more than 200 people and reminded us all why we came together in the first place: to uplift and listen to each other.

We are forming a “wall-to-wall” union, embracing as many different positions as possible because we want everyone to have the opportunity to represent themselves and because we are stronger together. Only you can speak with total understanding and authority about the challenges you face in the workplace. Likewise, we truly believe that you can offer the best ideas for real, effective change. 

We have all heard leadership say that their “door is always open.” But if that open door policy is working, then how did we get here? Why are we hearing our colleagues say that they are frustrated by a continued lack of resources, training, transparency, and respect? We understand that not everyone feels comfortable going to their supervisor with concerns, much less senior leadership. That’s why we want to open another door. Behind this door stand your colleagues. People you work with everyday who see your commitment, your talent, and your struggles. We know what it takes to get the job done because we are here on the ground doing it with you. 

One-on-one conversations with leadership are designed to make your concerns seem individualized. When we speak with a collective voice, we can highlight systemic shortcomings and demand institutional accountability.

We are honored to have beautiful banners made for us by Aram Han Sifuentes! #protestbannerlendinglibrary

The rally also made clear that we are here because we love the Art Institute of Chicago. We take so much pride as stewards of this collection, as educators, as historians, and as citizens. We can see the good and we can see a path to make it even better.  When the employees of S/AIC come together to prioritize our concerns and craft a contract, we will be starting with the benefits and accommodations already in place and adding provisions that we decide will best address our needs. It will be up to leadership to accept our proposal and they must respect the terms ratified in our contract.

We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: WE are your union. We, the employees of the School and the Art Institute, have formed the Art Institute of Chicago Workers United with the hope that we and those that come after us will see that their colleagues respect and support them and that they do not stand alone.

Have a great weekend,

Your AICWU OC

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Have questions? Reach out to an OC member or email info@aicwu.org.