CHICAGO — Employees at one of Chicago’s top attractions are forming a union.
Sixty employees at the Shedd Aquarium signed a letter publicly announcing Shedd Workers United, an affiliate of AFSCME Council 31.
When certified, Shedd Workers United/AFSCME will represent about 300 employees across departments, including animal care, learning and community, guest relations, facilities, and others.
Organizers say a union will give them a voice to advocate for the welfare of themselves and animals.
“In recent years, we have voiced concerns to management regarding work-life imbalance, financial struggles, and lack of communication, but received little tangible response. Together in our union, we can bring to light and work to resolve these inequities in order to better our own lives and—very importantly—those of the animals we work to protect and uplift.”
The aquarium responded, saying, in part, that it respects employees’ rights to educate themselves on unionization and to explore their options freely.
Shedd Aquarium cares deeply about fostering and maintaining a respectful and supportive workplace where all voices are heard. We have been aware that some staff members have expressed interest in potentially forming a union. We respect the rights of our employees to educate themselves on the issue of unionization and to explore their options freely. We are proud of the unique, employee-focused culture we have developed at Shedd, and we are committed, as always, to open, constructive dialogue with staff.”
Johhnny Ford, senior director of public relations for Shedd Aquarium
In forming their union, Shedd employees join workers from the Field Museum, Museum of Science & Industry, Notebaert Nature Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago who have all recently organized with AFSCME.
