Staff at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry say they will strike Nov. 29 if an agreement is not reached before then.
The decision comes after the union voted in September to authorize a strike, and members note the decision comes more than two years after the union formed and began negotiating their first contract with the Hyde Park museum.
The museum employees – represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) – say they will pursue the strike depending on what progress is made at a Nov. 17 bargaining session.
Museum employees are seeking a raise in wages and better benefits. The union represents more than 120 employees in the guest experience, guest operations and education departments.
Union members said in a statement that workers have not received a raise since 2022, with a third of the union’s bargaining unit members being paid t the citywide minimum wage of $16.60 an hour for non-tipped employees. The majority of union members make less than $20 per hour, according to the union.
“Employees often work second jobs, skip meals and still struggle to support their families,” the union said in the statement.
The museum does not offer holiday pay for part-time workers, no premium pay is available for bilingual employees, and employees do not receive paid parental leave, according to the statement.
The union bargaining committee is set to meet with management Monday night, which is the last scheduled session before the strike date.
“We, the employees, make MSI a world-class institution, and we’re prepared to do whatever it takes to secure the pay and benefits we deserve,” Zach Kelchen, a guest engagement representative and a member of the union bargaining committee, said in a statement. “It’s way past time for management to do what’s right. When we meet on Monday, it’s imperative that they make real movement toward a fair agreement.”
In a previous statement, the museum said it “deeply values our employees who work to spark scientific inquiry and creativity for all of those who come through our doors or participate in our education programs. We are committed to engaging in dialogue with AFSCME and continue to work toward an agreeable and comprehensive resolution that supports our employees, our visitors and the sustained future of our historic Chicago institution.”
Employees from the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum and the Field Museum have also joined AFSCME Council 31 in recent years.