Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at Shedd Aquarium Win Union Election

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.

Employees at the Shedd Aquarium overwhelmingly voted to join AFSCME Council 31, making them the latest workers at the cultural institution in Chicago who have decided to organize for an improved workplace.

More than 75% of workers voted for the formation of Shedd Workers United. The 180-person union includes staff who work in guest relations, learning and community, development, and other departments. Workers initially announced their intent to join AFSCME in April, citing concerns with work-life imbalance, low wages and a lack of communication from management and more. Despite union-busting activities from management, workers remained steadfast in their fight for representation.

“We formed our union because we care about our co-workers, we love the aquarium and we want to make it better for all. We won by overcoming management’s divisive anti-union campaign,” the Shedd Workers United organizing committee said. “With our victory, we urge management to take a new approach and respect us as equals as we take our seat at the table to negotiate our first contract.”