UPDATE: Employees at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) are taking a bold step towards unionization, publicly announcing their push to form a union under AFSCME Cultural Workers United this week. On November 4, 2023, the group, known as DIA Workers United, submitted a letter requesting formal recognition of their union, joining a nationwide trend of arts and culture institutions organizing for better working conditions.
The urgency of this movement is palpable as employees voice their dedication to the museum’s mission while grappling with rising living costs in Detroit. Organizer Sarah Burger, who has dedicated 20 years to the museum, emphasizes that many staff members are passionate about their work but struggle to make ends meet. “I have been priced out of two neighborhoods,” she stated, highlighting the financial pressures facing employees amid the city’s revitalization efforts.
As investigations continue into the DIA’s financial health, Burger notes that the museum’s endowment has grown, supported by stable funding from the Tri-County millage. However, she questions why full-time employees should be forced to seek additional jobs when the institution is financially secure. Currently, the museum’s lowest wage stands at $16.50 per hour, with roles in visitor experience and security being advertised at this rate.
Burger expressed hope for a collaborative relationship with the museum’s administration, stating, “We want to work with [the museum]; we want to negotiate.” This sentiment reflects a desire to avoid the “us versus them” dynamic that has marred similar efforts at other institutions, such as the recent union recognition conflict at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
DIA’s administration has yet to respond to requests for comment on this developing situation. Employees have also raised concerns about prolonged vacancies within the museum, with some staff members taking on additional responsibilities without the corresponding titles or pay increases.
As the Detroit Institute of Arts grapples with this pivotal moment, the call for union recognition resonates deeply with a workforce eager for fair compensation and working conditions. The outcome of DIA Workers United’s push could set a significant precedent for cultural institutions across the nation, as they strive to balance passion for their work with the necessity of a living wage.
This developing story is not just about labor rights; it’s about the heart of the museum community and the people who help keep its legacy alive. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and consider sharing to support the push for fair treatment of arts workers everywhere.
