Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Workers Ratify First Union Contract

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Staff at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago—who are represented by AFSCME—have successfully ratified their first union contract.

Workers first announced the formation of Museum of Contemporary Art Workers United/AFSCME in February 2024, which was organized with support from AFSCME’s Cultural Workers United campaign. Highlights of the contract include a 12% across-the-board wage increase, additional pay for members assigned bilingual duties, four weeks of paid parental leave, an improved retirement plan and more.

“Chicago’s cultural workers are proving that when workers come together, they can win better wages, stronger protections and a voice on the job,” said AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch, who’s also an AFSCME vice president. “With the ratification of their union contract, Museum of Contemporary Art employees have won an agreement that reflects their dedication, rewards their hard work, and gives them a real seat at the table.”