AFSCME, the ever lovable American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, is on a tear in the Chicago area with unionization—last week they won their sixth victory when workers at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum voted overwhelmingly to unionize. Previously AFSCME had also won victories at the Art Institute of Chicago, School of the Art Institute, and Newberry Library and Field Museum. They're also currently working to unionize the Museum of Science & Industry.
Organizing the Notebaert Nature Museum began in March with the signing of this open letter by 19 of the approximately 45 employees. In it, workers noted they wanted "a voice in the decisions that affect us; better wages and benefits; transparency around compensation and advancement; [and] safe working conditions." With this win they'll be able to begin negotiating these issues and others with the museum.

