Staff members at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, along with remote and Washington, D.C.-based employees, are moving to form a union, citing concerns over workloads, benefits, and decision-making processes. An open letter, signed by 68 employees and reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, announced the formation of "Obama Workers United" with the intent to organize under the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 (AFSCME 31). This development comes just months after the center welcomed its first public visitors in June.
"If I were looking for a good job that lets me build some security for my family, I’d join a union. If I saw a problem in my workplace, I’d organize my coworkers to do something about it." Barack Obama, 2016 Campaign Letter
The organizing committee, which includes staff on the Chicago campus, employees in the Obama Foundation’s Washington, D.C., offices, and remote workers nationwide, aims to represent more than 250 individuals if successful. Anders Lindall, director of public affairs for AFSCME 31, confirmed that union cards are actively being circulated among colleagues. "Generally everybody wants a voice," Lindall stated, adding that this desire "extends to compensation and conditions in the workplace and more."
The open letter outlines several grievances driving the unionization effort. Workers claim they were recently informed of impending increases in healthcare costs, the suspension of promotions, and a reduction in paid time off. Furthermore, they assert that no pay increases are anticipated this winter. According to the letter, prior attempts to raise these concerns with management yielded only "vague responses." The document also points to significant staffing issues, including a "high turnover rate," with many employees "continuing to leave (and) taking with them their institutional knowledge and expertise."
Luke Gilday, an Obama Foundation employee and member of the union organizing committee, articulated the workers' desire for greater involvement in the foundation's operations. He told the Sun-Times that employees feel excluded from critical choices and "don’t even have a seat at the table." Gilday emphasized the group's motivation: "What we’re hoping for, and really the reason why we’re forming our union, is just because we believe we should have a say in the decisions that are being made that impact all of our lives." He clarified that the workers' intention is not to undermine the foundation or its mission, stating they "care deeply about" its success. "Mr. and Mrs. Obama’s legacy is one of hope. It’s one of fairness, and it’s one of transparency… by forming our union, all we’re doing is living out that legacy," Gilday added.
The effort to unionize echoes a passage from a 2016 campaign letter by Barack Obama, which workers reproduced in their open letter: “If I were looking for a good job that lets me build some security for my family, I’d join a union. If I saw a problem in my workplace, I’d organize my coworkers to do something about it.” This quote highlights the alignment between the workers' actions and the former president's stated views on labor rights.
In response to the reports, the Obama Foundation issued a statement to the Daily Mail. A spokesperson affirmed the foundation's stance: “At The Obama Foundation, we know that every single achievement – from our global programming to bringing the Obama Presidential Center to life on the South Side – is made possible by the dedication, care, and hard work of our extraordinary team.” The statement continued, “We are deeply committed to the fundamental right of workers to organize and make their voices heard.” The spokesperson concluded by stating, “As members of our staff explore union representation, we approach this process with immense gratitude for their contributions, deep respect for unions, and a sincere commitment to working collaboratively with our partners in labor.”
The unionization drive adds another layer to the Obama Presidential Center's recent history, which has faced scrutiny over its development. Construction costs for the center ultimately surpassed $850 million, nearly tripling the initial $300 million budget estimate. Prior to its public opening, the project encountered allegations from contractors who claimed they had not received payment for their work, with several subcontractors reporting millions of dollars in past-due invoices. Omar Shareef, president of the African American Contractors Association, noted that some workers expressed regret about their involvement in the project. Additionally, the center's architectural design drew public criticism upon its debut, with some observers referring to its distinct structure by the nickname "death star."
As the organizing committee continues its work, the focus remains on the outcome of the unionization drive and how it will shape the employment landscape within the high-profile institution.
