Shedd Aquarium Workers won their union two years ago, but are still fighting for a first contract with fair pay
CHICAGO – Today, thousands of AFSCME members from across the country rallied outside the Shedd Aquarium to demand that management stop acting fishy and bargain a fair contract with fair pay.
More than two years ago, Shedd employees overcame an intensive anti-union campaign to form Shedd Workers United/AFSCME. But now during negotiations for their first union contract, Shedd management is refusing to agree even to adequate guaranteed annual wage increases or a higher pay floor for new hires.
“I’m so proud that AFSCME has become the union home for workers at Shedd and every major cultural institution in the city of Chicago,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “The folks who staff our museums, libraries, aquariums, and zoos provide an invaluable public service – and they deserve a voice on the job and a seat at the table. Shedd workers aren’t asking for a lot – just a fair contract that allows them to pay their bills and live a decent life. AFSCME’s 1.4 million members stand with these workers in demanding management stop digging in their heels and agree to a fair contract for Shedd workers.”
AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said, “We’re saying to Shedd management, prioritize the workers! The ones who greet the visitors, take the tickets and teach the students. The ones who help to market the aquarium. The ones who help raise all that money. And so much more. The ones who make Shedd a wonderful place to visit. It should also be a great place to work!”
Shedd Workers United Member Nasr bin Safwan said, “We work here because we love to be the person who brightens someone’s day by connecting them to the animals. Who helps them have fun learning in a setting outside of school. And for that work, we happen to think we deserve to be fairly paid!”
Illinois state representative and Congressional candidate La Shawn Ford said, “You are the force for justice for working people here in Chicago and across the country. It’s better in a union. It’s better with AFSCME. Fair contract now.”
Rallying with Shedd employees were thousands of fellow AFSCME members from across the country who were in Chicago for the union’s 47th International Convention.