Overview

• Union leaders said 95% of eligible Museum of Science and Industry workers voted, with 90% authorizing a strike if needed.
• The authorization empowers the bargaining team to call a strike, though no strike has been called and talks continue.
• Workers cite unresolved pay and benefits, saying they have had no raises since 2022 and that starting pay is $16.60 per hour.
• The union says management has resisted improvements in vacation and sick time, holiday pay for part‑time staff, premium pay for bilingual staff, and paid parental leave.
• Museum leadership said it values employees and is committed to dialogue, and AFSCME notes other Chicago museum units have secured contracts without striking.