Obama Presidential Center Faces Union Push Amid Claims of Pay Freeze and Staff Departures
The Obama Presidential Center is facing an employee organizing drive less than four months after opening in Chicago. Workers say staff departures, heavier workloads and changes to benefits have left them seeking a greater voice in workplace decisions.
Sixty-eight employees signed an open letter announcing plans to unionize with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31. The effort could eventually include more than 250 workers at the center, the Obama Foundation’s Washington, D.C., offices and remote positions around the country.
Employees Cite Departures and Workplace Changes
The letter describes a “high turnover rate” since the center opened in June. Workers said colleagues “continue to leave, taking with them their institutional knowledge and expertise.” Organizers have not said how many employees have left.
Employees also say they were told there would be no pay increases this winter, even as health care costs rise. Organizers cite reductions to paid time off and a pause on promotions as further sources of frustration.
Workers say foundation leaders have given “vague responses” to their concerns. Luke Gilday, a foundation employee on the union organizing committee, said staff want a role in decisions that affect them.
“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,” Gilday said.
He said employees “don’t even have a seat at the table.”
AFSCME Council 31 spokesman Anders Lindall confirmed that organizers are circulating union cards among employees.
Obama’s Union Advocacy Comes Into Focus
The campaign has drawn scrutiny because Barack Obama has long voiced support for organized labor. In their letter, employees cited remarks he made during the 2016 election:
“If I were looking for a good job that lets me build some security for my family, I’d join a union,” Obama said at the time.
“If I saw a problem in my workplace, I’d organize my coworkers to do something about it.”
Gilday said the effort reflects the values the Obamas have publicly championed. “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.”
The Obama Foundation said it respects workers’ right to organize and plans to cooperate with the process.
“We are deeply committed to the fundamental right of workers to organize and make their voices heard,” the foundation said.
“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 statement continued.
Organizers say their aim is to improve working conditions while supporting the foundation’s mission.
Labor Dispute Adds to Center’s Challenges
The union campaign brings fresh attention to a project that has also faced criticism over construction costs and architectural design. Costs rose substantially from early estimates during the project’s multiyear construction, and some contractors publicly raised concerns about unpaid invoices before the center opened.
Now employees are challenging conditions inside an institution built to preserve Obama’s presidential legacy—putting the foundation’s public support for organized labor under a more immediate test.