Give Museum Custodians Their Jobs Back!

Petition Signatures & Public Comments

(Updates made frequently)

“Union busting is disgusting”

Patti Mulchrone, Member of the Community

“As a long-standing patron of the art institute, I would hate to see the custodial staff lose their benefits. Every member of the union is just as important as the next, and every member deserves to receive their benefits. The custodial staff plays a foundational role in the happiness and health of every single person who visits the museum, and I have to ask myself why the museum would want to take away the benefits and bargaining power of these staff members. I am proud to sign this petition in solidarity with the union, a body that intends to preserve the rights of its laborers as well as the culture of this institution. “

Olivia Hohe, Memvber of the Community

“The Art Institute of Chicago is a pillar of this city, and the custodians who make it run deserve unionized jobs with living wages and full benefits. No private contractors, give the custodians their jobs back now.”

Alec Hudson, Member of the Community

“The custodial staff are a vital part of the art institute. It is extremely disheartening to strip them of their rights as employees with such short notice. The effects this will have on not only their careers but their livelihood is devastating.”

Chelsea Wendyger, Member of the Community

“I have been going to the Art Institute for years, so it’s extremely disappointing that they would make such a move against their employees. Will definitely reconsider my attendance and patronage at the museum if they move forward with this.”

Irene Mead, Member of the Community

“Losing their jobs after many years is not fair to them and takes a huge emotional toll on their mental health. “

Jeralyn B MarekWiesner, Member of the Community

“I support the custodians of the Art Institute of Chicago and believe they deserve fair treatment, respect, and job security. Their work is essential to keeping the museum clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. I urge museum leadership to negotiate in good faith and restore their jobs.”

Julieana cosajay, Family of Staff, Member of the Community

“As a union member of AFSCME 31, it's disheartening to see the Art Institute's maneuver to quietly underhand the union and its members. With negotiations for the new union contract starting next year, it is my hope that the Art Institute is willing to drop this blatant outsourcing of staff. Instead, I hope they will allow our custodial colleagues to sit at the table with the rest of us at said negotiations.”

Kevin Meskan, VIsitor Engagement, AIC Employee

“Treat your staff better, you goofs.”

Richard Mrkacek, Member of the Community

“This is an injustice to the staff at the Art Institute and I fully stand with the custodial staff and the members of AFSCME Local 37. I stand clearly and unequivocally with the custodial workers of the Art Institute of Chicago. The decision to eliminate the jobs of dedicated employees and replace them with a private, for-profit contractor is not only unjust—it is a betrayal of the very people who have helped make this institution what it is today. Many of these workers have devoted decades of their lives to the museum, and they deserve respect, security, dignity, and recognition.”

Gabriella Guerra, Member of the Community

“We ask that you consider the toll this will take on people especially on their mental health having been there for a decade if not more some workers are going to struggle because they’ve been there for so long and it’s what they know as a constant in their lives and just because they’re qualified doesn’t mean it’s gonna be easy to replace the job they were doing a lot of places still find ways to discourage and discriminate against workers just because they can even though there are laws against it not everyone acknowledges them.”

Robert j Bennecke jr., Member of the Community

“As a former intern and employee of the Art Institute I am disappointed in these actions and urge management to cease these subcontracting plans.”

Ariel Gentalen, Former AIC Employee, Member of the Community

“Custodial staff are the backbone of any business. In addition to doing the work no one else wants to do, they are often taken for granted and overlooked. I’m calling on AIC to do the right thing and renew the custodial staff’s contract instead of outsourcing this important work.”

Julian Axelrod, Member of the Community

“As a paying member of the Art Institute of Chicago and lifelong patron I am against the actions of the Board to terminate these well-paying positions and unionized jobs with benefits. I refuse to believe the Board membership lacks the means to cover whatever costs it may be trying to save with these actions. And if it isn’t a cost savings measures it is a blatant attack on organized labor in Chicago. Do better by the Chicago community — otherwise shame on you. “

Micheál Podgers, Member of the Community

“You're going to mess with these people's lives for a little bit of money? Weak sauce”

Kelvin, Member of the Community

“The custodial staff deserves fair working conditions as much as anyone!”

Alexandra Schutz, Art Handler, Member of the Community

“Distasteful and repugnant choice for an esteemed cultural institution.”

Biz, Sales Supervisor, Member of the Community

“Custodial members are the most vital backbone to prestigious institutions. No one can argue that cleanliness is of the upmost importance, especially in public spaces, for appearances, pride, and people's health. To devaule the invaluble work members of our community have been doing is a fool's move.”

Alex Lee, SAIC Student Worker, SAIC Employee

“Please keep the hard working staff at the art institute. We don’t want our community members losing jobs so the museum can outsource and likely pay other workers less for the same job.”

Elyse Smith, Member of the Community

“what is chicago if not a union town? what is the art institute if not a union shop? what is the point of an art museum that treats people as disposable?”

Bailey Kendall, Member of the Community

“This behavior disgusts me.”

Dominic Gardetto, Member of the Community

“I believe it’s very important that SAIC retains their current custodial staff and not layoff and outsource these jobs.”

Chun An Huai, Member of the Community

“The outsourcing of custodial work actively deteriorated the workplace culture of an institution. It disrespects those workers.”

Melissa Anderson, Librarian, Member of the Community

“People over profit”

Sasha Langlands

“I support the custodial staff.”

Donna Hardnette, Member of the Community

“To be on the right side of history-you must understand the power of your legacy. Do right by the people who have given their time, effort, and energy to supporting your legacy. Taking effectively the financially and morally cheap way out is a disservice to your own brand just as much as it is to those who would be let go. Be better. Do better. Create a space worthy of support. This is a step in the wrong direction and time will show it if you don’t backtrack.”

Hanna, Member of the Community

“The custodial staff is a vital part of the community. When my younger siblings and I go to the Art Institute on free days, it’s the custodial staff that keeps it running, that entertain them with the stickers on their bins and help them when they're feeling ill. When my friend had a medical emergency and felt ill, it was custodial staff that held back her hair and rubbed her back first. To take their jobs away is so outrageously wrong and a huge disappointment...”

Kayla Nguyen, Clinical Research Fellow, Member of the Community

“I am a long time member of the Art Institute. It is the one museum membership I renew every year. I urge you to retain your cleaning staff and provide quality jobs for our community members. I would rather pay a hire membership rate if it meant you would pass the cost onto retaining your unionized cleaning staff.”

Emily Twarog, Professor, Member of the Community

“Having zero integrity costs so much more than just money. It corrupts our souls and cells. If you have the power to do something, do it. Do something you could be proud of down the road, knowing that you didn’t allow vital members of the staff to be cut off like lose ends. Cutting people’s benefits nowadays is an indirect way of telling them their life means basically nothing to you. Does it really mean nothing to you?”

Riley Mall, Member of the Community

“The custodians at the AIC are wonderful every time I visit! The whole museum is spotless, they are always cleaning. They are very sweet ,kind , hardworking individuals who have families to support. This is an injustice and disrespect to them and their families after GIVING AIC 20+ years of their lives which they will not get back. Please don’t take away their benefits for YOUR OWN benefit and greedy. You will not have the same trust with new employees that you already build with your own people. We the community support AIC custodians.”

Diana, Member of the Community

“The custodians of the Art Institute are amazing. They deserve to keep their jobs, and to be treated with dignity and respect as workers. “

Jorin Graham, Member of the Community

“I do not support our local institutions outsourcing labor. It sends the message that cost savings are more important than the people who live and work in our city. Our cultural institutions should be creating stable, local jobs and not shifting work to corporations whose primary responsibility is to their bottom line.”

Riley Ledford, Catastrophe Risk Analyst, Member of the Community

“Chicago is a union town. Do right by your workers. No union busting.”

Nell McKeown, Member of the Community

“Support your people! Support unions!”

Paula Sjogerman, Arts administrator, Member of the Community

“The MOST valuable asset AIC has is the people who work there.“

Raina, Member of the Community

“As a guest of the museum, I find this action by museum leadership to be unconscionable, not in line with basic human rights or the principles of fairness. It is also a breech of contract for long time faithful workers and I will consider discontinuing my patronage in the future if this travesty stands.”

Madeleine Hall, Early Childhood Educator, Member of the Community

“Stop being an embarrassment to the arts. The wages you even pay staff are already laughable to others in the field. “

Saira Chambers, Project Manager, Member of the Community

“Privatizing services always results in lower quality of said services in addition to the lower quality of life that employees are forced to live when working for third party companies instead of being in house.”

Nicholas Davis, Member of the Community

“Take care of those who take care of you. Treat your employees fairly!”

Stephanie Brendle, Bartender, Musician, Member of the Community

“It is shameful to take someone's livelihood away no matter what, but especially after decades of service. “

Nasr Bin Safwan, Member of the Community

“This decision is a despicable disregard for the contractual rights of the current custodial staff. “

S. F., Member of the Community

“Stop defunding your employees. Let’s not act like this the first time. “

Anna, Member of the Community

“Keep third party out. Keep Union members in. Keep the current custodial employees with all current benefits etc. “

Deb Fox, Member of the Community

“It’s clear to the public exactly how much decades of a service to a critical Chicago institution is REALLY worth to AIC/SAIC management. Treat these workers with dignity and respect and reinstate them now.”

Amanda Goetze, Bookseller (The Book Cellar, Lincoln Square), Member of the Community

“The Art Institute has never been any less than sparkling clean during any of my visits, and it would mar my experience to know that the staff who have worked so hard to make the museum so special are being let go and losing their benefits in this manner. This would be a massive mistake on the part of the Institute's leadership, and they should not assume that loyal museum visitors will not notice or be unaffected by this.”

Jennifer Peshansky, Frequent museum attendee!!!, Member of the Community

“Shame on the Art Institute for cutting these custodial positions.”

Peter wensel, Member of the Community

“As a AIC member, I am extremely disappointed in this decision and urge the museum to reinstate these custodial employees.”

Victoria Barry, Member of the Community

“Give our custodians their jobs back.”

Rachel Valdez, Member of the Community

“Give our custodians their jobs back”

Majid, Member of the community

“Disregarding the importance of the experience and dedication of the custodial staff at the AIC, people who have been trained in this specific environment of priceless and precious works of art, to engage with an outside party to perform this important work seems reckless as well as disrespectful of the people who have been dedicated employees."

Erin Miller, Member of the Community

“The art Institute is one of the most respected in the world and it should be reflected in the treatment of the staff, everyone single one. It's disgraceful.”

Grace Marusek, Member of the Community

“Totally and completely wrong!”

Gabor Szvoboda, Member of the Community

'“Please do not outsource this labor and do not disrupt the livelihood of your workers.”

Ana Izaguirre, Member of the Community

“Shame on the AIOC; solidarity with the people who make it run.”

Carlos, Dog Walker, Member of the Community

“Custodial work deserves respect and compensation. The condition of your institution would deteriorate rapidly without their hard work.”

John Stoner, Member of the Community

“Please do the right thing. “

Gerald Marquez, Member of the Community

“Workers deserve more!”

John Proios, Assistant Professor

“Our resources should be handled with the hands that have birthed and raised our communities not a company that produces complacent services that don't understand the weight the care needed to preserving our institutions need. You can't manufacture humanity and connection.”

Yaritzel M., Adult Co-facilitator, Member of the Community

“Opposed to this unfair action against union workers “

Patricia McNichols, Artist/Teacher, Member of the community

“I left the Art Institute almost two years ago because of how non-curatorial staff are treated by senior management. Please prove me wrong.”

Amy Robin Hoffman, Former AIC Employee

“Please reconsider this decision. Our custodial staff have worked hard to keep the museum running and deserve better”

Luis Arroyo, Coordinator, SAIC Employee

“These members of our staff provide not only their time and energy in service and care of our museum and its spaces, but they are a deeply vital part of our community. They take their work personally, seriously, and display both professionalism and warmth in everything they do.”

Emma Seale, AIC Employee

“This is so devastating and unfair. They deserve some justice and jobs kept here at the AIC with no change at all to there benefits”

Wendy McGowan, security officer, AIC Employee

“As a long-time AIC member, I urge leadership to reconsider this decision.”

Natash Julius, Instructor, Member of the Community

“As a frequent AIC patron and lover, I am appalled to learn about this gross decision. AIC must return these jobs to the custodians who work so hard to provide a clean and safe space!”

Anna Freed, Member of the Community

“This is a shameful and despicable decision by museum leadership, and it should be reversed immediately.”

Kaitlyn Griffith, Archival Specialist, Member of the Community

“As a AIC member, I will have to revisit if I want to renew membership for the coming year.”

C. Betsill, Member of the Community

“This decision feels the opposite of artistic. It feels oppressive. “

Rosemary Wicz, Lab Technician, Member of the Community

“Times are tough. People need stability and consistency. Please reconsider the way this will effect the community”

Eseosa Edebiri, Teaching Artist, Member of the Community

“This decision is heartbreaking. We have excellent working relationships with the custodians that serve the Research Center. They are reliable, skilled, friendly, hard working, and considerate. I have not once felt less than satisfied with the service in my department. This is a mistake and an injustice to folks who've dedicated years to the institution in what is often a thankless job. Museum admin should be ashamed.”

Grace Scott, Research Center, AIC Employee

“It’s extremely disappointing that the Art Institute of Chicago would choose to treat their employees in such a disrespectful way. I hope those who can change this decision will listen to their staff and the community and ultimately do the right thing.”

Britt Fitzgerald, Retail Manager, AIC Employee

“This school must understand that the custodian staff at SAIC are a part of our community. They belong at SAIC as much as any other of us. It isn't the professors and students who clean the facilities of this school every single day; it is the custodian staff. They deserve actual appreciation. It is shameful of this school for there to even be a consideration of outsourcing after all the hours of hard work that the SAIC custodial staff have put into maintaining this institution. If the heads of SAIC do not want to respect the custodial staff of this school, they themselves must expect to receive the same attitude.”

Luluka Brown-Spielman, Student, SAIC

“Serve the community that has been serving you. Demonstrate that you value humanity over the bottom line. You have much more creative outlets to save money “

Kris Hechevarria, SAIC Employee

“We support the current staff and feel any changes to the contract is unjusitifed.”

Alex Aguilar, Member of the Community

“Custodians are the backbone of the company. If management needed to change something they should have talked with their employees instead of going behind their backs. My membership will be canceled if this UNFAIRNESS continues towards your employees. Disgusting.

The AIC is a lovely and peaceful place for me and my family. Please have empathy and keep your employees… how things were.”

Laquisha, Member of the Community

“Art is about people and humanity, and I cannot support an art institution that values profits over people.”

Matt McDonald, Member of the Community

“Support the employees!”

Tom, Pipefitter, Member of the Community

“What are you doing and what do you even hope to accomplish? So baffling.”

Rachel Grace Collins, Member of the Community

“Not only does this go against the union contract requiring notice of changes in employment, this is a very transparent attempt to decrease wages and benefits for your employees. I expect more from our Chicago Art Institute and Museums. It's upsetting that for all the focus on art and the humanity behind that art you would purposefully harm your employees.”

Cassidy Boyle, Member of the Community

“Subcontracting is a dirty way of cutting employees off their benefits and a barely even liveable wage. WE SEE YOU.”

Whitney Hinojosa, Member of the Community

“Give the custodians their jobs back”

Johanna Brock, Teacher

“I have spent a lot of time at the Art Institute, it shaped much of my love for the museum world, such that I now work for one. Having seen my own institution slash essential teams like this, i know this is a disastrous decision. Whatever short-term savings you may find, which are dubious to begin with, will be met with a major loss of institutional knowledge from the people who have dedicated their lives to making sure your visitors have an amazing experience experiencing our shared cultural heritage.”

Teddy Vollman, President, Cal Academy Workers United, Member of the Community

“I'm a museum worker and union member with SEIU Local 1021 in San Francisco. Just a few months ago, I visited the Art Institute for the first time and was struck by how beautiful and well-maintained it was. Having worked in a large museum myself, I know that custodial staff are among the most dedicated, hard-working people you'll find. If management can't figure out how to balance the budget without doing it on the backs of the people who keep the museum running, that's a failure of leadership. I took a look at your 990s (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/362167725) and if the president of a non-profit museum makes over $1mil, management needs to rethink their priorities. This is a no-brainer!”

Greg Rotter, Senior Web & Interactive Developer, Member of the Community

“As a former student and employee of SAIC/AIC this is disgusting and unfortunately par for the course for the corporate suits who pervert and exploit the arts and artists to maximize their own wealth.”

Igor Camilo, SAIC Employee

“Unions are the power of the people. Art is for the people. Do the math.”

Liam Bell-McShane, Member of the Community

“Shame!”

Joel Johnson, Member of the Community

“Our school district implemented a policy which hollowed out our custodial staff (not union-related, but it was a significant loss), and it was ultimately more costly, and led to noticeably diminished cleanliness. Whatever you’re planning will backfire: it will lose you money, will lead to a visible decline in the museum’s condition, and will make everyone hate you more. Don’t do it.”

Taylor Brewerton, Art Teacher, Member of the Community

“Do the right thing. It will be remembered, and the museum will thrive. Don't be so low. Reward loyalty and hard work.”

Grant Herrejon, Member of the Community

“No artistry in Union busting”

Carly Gustaveson, Attorney, Member of the Community

“Solidarity forever.”

Tyler Clark, Member of the Community

“I support unions and their workers”

Danielle Lorenc, Member of the Community

“AIC takes pride in being a non-profit organization. I hope its administration realizes the irony.”

Athena Sung, Software Engineer, Member of the Community

“After raising membership prices, it really saddens me to see this beautiful institution treating its staff so poorly. Makes me not want to renew my membership unfortunately.”

Dallas Lindenau, Member of the Community

“I ask as a resident and fan of the AIC do not do this to these people. Especially during a job market like this.”

Stan, Member of the Community

“Shame on the Art Institute for union busting. These employees have dedicated their careers to you and make the space what it is - you would be nothing without them.”

Austin Zamudio, Member of the Community

“Don't harm such a renowned institution's reputation by ruining the livelihoods of its workers.“

Michael, Member of the Community

“I'm deeply disappointed by the Art Institute's decision to fire unionized, long-standing employaees. This act destroys the hard work and loyalty those employees have put in for decades, and for what? Cheapening out on new contract hires that can be let go at the drop of a hat instead of paying a living wage. The money you save now will be nothing compared to what you'll lose in turnover, expertise and public goodwill.”

Shannon Saar, Member of the Community

“i am a member of the art institute and i will cancel my membership in solidarity with your staff.”

kassie d., Web Developer, Member of the Community

“Nothing good ever comes from putting profits over people.”

Samantha Bissell, Speech-Language Pathologist, Member of the Community

“Workers should never be terminated for their right to unionize. A company that fires union workers doesn’t deserve support. “

Joanna Veth, Sales Lead, Member of the Community

“Support Union workers!”

Heather Dede, Member of the Community

“Shameful, will not be going back to the Art Institute if this stands.”

Jordan Zaid, Member of the Community

“Custodians are vital to any functional society and institution who deserve respect and job security. Shame on the Art Institute!”

Hannah LaFave, Member of the Community

“A well funded, public nonprofit has bo business behaving this way. Pay workers what they deserve, reinstate them. Do better! Its genuinely so disappointing, I’ll not be offering any support for this institution until workers are respected!”

MacKenzie Brown, Bookseller, Member of the Community

“As a member with the museum, I am very disappointed to know that the Art Institute of Chicago does not value its dedicated staff members and will be replacing union workers. I hope that this decision is reconsidered. If not, I will not renew membership out of solidarity.”

Griffin O'Dowd-Ryan, Member of the Community

“I am beyond disappointed to hear about this impending decision — AIC’s leadership should be ashamed of their union crushing proposal in a time when unions are more important than ever. This is an extremely tone deaf proposal that would make me want to boycott the AIC moving forward.”

May Malone, Director of Communications, Northwestern University, Member of the Community

“The Art Institute should uphold the highest standard in all things.”

Henry Wroblewski, Senior Software Engineer, Member of the Community

“Value your employees”

Jennifer Garner, Patron, Member of the Community

“As a union member myself, as well as a family membership holder at the museum, this is extremely disappointing news to hear. Especially in the economic crisis we find ourselves in. If this situation is not rectified fairly for these employees, I have no qualms about taking my financial support elsewhere.”

Grace Carini, Union Film Worker, Member of the Community

“The AIC owes so much more of its character, its reputation, and its revenue to these talented, experienced, knowledgeable custodians than it does to its artworks.”

Cal Filkin, Member of the Community

“It’s not very artful to union bust!”

Max Asaf, Member of the Community

“The Art Institute has always been a gem of this city, kept beautiful by the hard work and dedication of the people that maintain and preserve the building and the art it contains. Union-busting is amoral and spits in the face of this city's great history.”

Christian Dawson, Member of the Community

“As an AIC member, I'm dismayed that the Art Institute will be terminating the positions of the unionized janitorial staff and replacing them with a subcontracted private, for-profit company.”

Eric, Member of the Community

“Privatization is the death of community. “

Andrea Lopez, Member of the Community

“An art school run by business people will quickly lose its way. NO MORE PRIVATIZATIONS! SAVE UNION JOBS!”

Zachary Cheikho, Law Clerk, Member of the Community

“The reason people form unions is to protect themselves from people like you. Please don’t take people’s livelihoods away to save a dollar and underpay the next guy.”

Olivia Burquest, Member of the Community

“For shame on the institution for putting hard working and dedicated staff out of jobs while handing a contract to a for profit company.

DO BETTER. BE A BETTER HUMAN. STOP THE GREED.”

Aaron Thomas, Senior Principal, Member of the Community

“The termination and replacement of the AFSCME 37 custodians is unacceptable. I teach at ChiArts, the flagship public performing arts high school in CPS where I also serve as the union delegate. As someone who prepares students for careers in the arts, it is important to identify nefarious management practices such as these and how to respond to them with solidarity. I will not be taking any of my classes on a field trip to the Art Institute until the custodians are rehired with full back pay, and will encourage all of my members to do the same.”

Alex Cookman, Teacher, Member of the Community

“Won’t be visiting the museum until this is solved. “

Avery Panganiban, Member of the Community

“stop privatizing the arts”

Zain Jaffry, Member of the Community

“This is disgusting and should be called out”

Kim Richardson, Member of the Communty

“Honor contracts and honor our hardworking community!”

Erin Cooley, Member of the Community

“I recently became a member of the Art Institute, and this news is incredibly disappointing. The Art Institute should know that everything isn't just about the bottom line. Museums are bulwarks of knowledge and community. This includes treating your employees fairly- especially those who performs such essential services as your custodians. Eliminating union employees also sends the message that the Art Institute is not a place for working-class Chicagoans. I am a newly unionized employee, and this decision makes me question whether I should continue my Art Institute membership. I urge you to reconsider your position and keep your in-house custodial staff. Stand by your employees, support your community, and live by your mission to "reflect and deepen our collective humanity."

Katherine Ralston Pruess, Member of the Community

“Firing your entire custodial staff to hire scabs, is an embarrassment to your organization and the notion of arts management in general”

Sam Kyker, Member of the Community

“I’m a member of AIC and love visiting. The workers who keep the museum clean are valuable and important and deserving of respect and a living wage.”

Katherine Danko, Member of the Community

“I have been a member of the AIC of Chicago for years and strongly oppose this deeply unethical move. Do right by your staff and supporters by preserving the livelihoods of the people who have sustained this organization and cancel this move.”

Kimruesch, Member of the Community

“This is so unfair to all the workers.”

Paloma Peterson, Member of the Community

“This is a heinous act by AIC and they should be ashamed”

Lucy Senner, Member of the Community

“I will not get a membership at the AIC or patronize their gift shop if they do not backtrack this decision.”

Clarissa, Member of the Community

“Union busting is a disgusting practice. Pay people a living wage and stop being greedy.”

Bridget Wesley, Member of the Community

“AIC is a city staple but it will be an embarassment to the city if it betrays its workers.”

Ada Marys Lorenzana, Graduate Studnet, Member of the Community

“As a previous employee of the Retail team at Art Institute, I have witnessed firsthand how the AIC custodial staff are the most hardworking, efficient, and kindest employees in the museum, who constantly support and tend to our visitors, staff, and the entire building itself during their long hours. They do not deserve this betrayal and disrespect. Give them their jobs back.”

Ysabel Claudio, Administrative Assistant, Member of the Community

“The custodial staff are the backbone of this institution supporting every level of staff. They have developed working relationships and know how best to support. It’s wrong to take these valued staff jobs away and outsource!”

Martha Kruener, Teacher, Member of the Community

“Please SUPPORT your community.”

Joanna Rosso, Member of the Community

“Custodians are the backbone of every institution. The only thing AIC would be doing if they decide to proceed with firing their custodians would be showing that they care more about money than any of their staff and their wellbeing. As an artist who's visited AIC several times, I'd like my money to be going towards an art institution who supports and puts their workers first above everyone else. I wouldn't be afraid to boycott and stop financially supporting AIC if they decide to go through with firing their custodians.”

Oakley Mertes, Member of the Community

“Please honor these hardworking people who have given so much above and beyond to The Art Institute by supporting them and keeping them employed.”

Katherine H Pulliam, Member of the Community

“Seriously? Don't be evil.”

Jon Matthew, Member of the Community

“I am a member of the Chicago News Guild and frequent guest of the Art Institute. I'm ashamed of your behavior and demand that you do better to support the workers who keep the Institute running, clean, and maintained.”

Annelise Rittberg, Member of the Community

“This is ridiculous! Keep the ART institute staff!”

Kendra Williams, Member of the community

“To take away the jobs of an essential foundation piece of the museum is simply unconscionable. Respect your staff members who have dedicated their time and energy to keeping the Art Institute beautiful and maintained.”

Kathryn English, Member of the Community

“People over profit!”

Kimberly Gamble, Pharmacy Technician, Member of the Community

“Support”

Freddie Richards, Housekeeping, AIC Employee

“Custodial staff are invested in the day to day tone of any institution. Outsourcing services allows for a private company to dictate your standards. I expect better from a Chicago institution.”

Brianna Werner, Member of the Community

“You're one of the best art museums in the world, but you don't seem to treat your staff that way. I left the museum world more than a decade ago, and I now work in a unionized job. My family and I have done so much better because of this union. You are now depriving your own staff of such a right. For shame!”

Valerie Moore, Librarian, Member of the COmmunity

“Long time member of the Art Institue”

Joseph Stein, Member of the Community

“As an patron with a membership to the AIC, I am disappointed to know that a beloved institution is not prioritizing humanity and morals over money. I expect better from one of Chicago's greatest establishments and cannot continue to fund this type of behavior. I've already notified the office I will not be renewing my membership unless this is reversed. I hope you make the right choice and treat workers with dignity and respect the powers of a union.”

Anthony, Member of the Community

“Those workers very hard to keep the Art Institute beautiful, and it's disrespectful to try to get rid of them.”

Martin Vizcarra, Healthcare Office Specialist, Member of the Community

“Giving me a reason to cancel my membership”

Owen, Member of the Community

“Third party custodial services are always worse than in house, as an avid enjoyed of the Art Institute, I want a clean and well run facility. Keep the custodians in house!”

Taylor Costel, Member of the Cpmmunity

“I find it extremely disappointing and in many ways misleading for the AIC to speak about access in the arts, about wanting to be a better institution, about being a leader in the museum field, and then pull the rug out from under your most vulnerable staff members. It's a disgusting decision and continually undermines my faith in the Art Institute as an entity.”

Elliot O'Rourke, SAIC Student, Member of the Community

“Custodial staff art essential part of any workforce and we should be doubling down on protecting and supporting them, not shortchanging them and disenfranchising them out of convenience just to save some money. It’s morally reprehensible, and goes against everything the museum presumes to stand for. Freedom of expression, love of the arts, how is anyone supposed to indulge in these central parts of life when they have to worry about just getting their bills paid? Why would the museum knowingly do this to their own staff? Why are we constantly attacking workers that are protected by unions? We need to be protecting unions. We need to be protecting vulnerable people. I am wholeheartedly against this decision and is a member of the Chicago community that’s been coming to the Art Institute my entire life I can honestly say that I would be ashamed to tell anyone to ever visit there again if this is the kind of behavior that the people in charge are engaging in. I know they’re indifferent and callous to emotional pleas from anyone whether it be their own staff or just some guy, but I wanted to add this public comment. Just in case someone responsible for this decision reads it. I hope it leaves a bad taste in their mouth.”

Elijah R, Budtender, Member of the Community

“❤️ Go Unions”

Madeleine Jennings, Member of the Community

“These staff members are vital to the functioning of AIC.”

Anya Davidson, Lecturer, SAIC Employee

“Support union workers!”

James Esparza, Member of the Community

“These employees have served the AIC well and deserve to be allowed to continue to do so.”

Elisabeth Froemel, Member of the Community

“When I was a Docent, the same young man, Pascal, cleaned the classrooms every day after the visiting students finished their lunches and boarded their buses. He knew so much about the museum, about the student programs, and he knew all of us. He was loyal, he was dedicated, and he had a love for the museum! These are people who have a passion for being AT this museum, for dedicating their days to keeping the home of this beloved artwork clean and tidy and worthy of the masterpieces it holds —it’s not just a job to them. They deserve to be appreciated for what they’ve given us all —they deserve to stay! The museum means more to the everyday people who work/volunteer there than you will ever understand, but I am asking you to try.”

Monica Johnson, Former Docent, Member of the Community

“Break the status quo and stop outsourcing jobs for better profit! People’s livelihoods should always be over the money that can be gained.”

Danielle Torres, Member of the Community

“A world-class museum should also be a world-class employer. I urge the Art Institute to protect its custodial staff and work toward a fair solution.”

Alyssa Ryan, Member of the community

“It would be a big mistake to continue with this decision. There's still time to correct this terrible decision. Do what's right by the staff that have dedicated too many years to ignore and reverse this horrendous move.”

Ismael, Senior Community Programs Manager, Member of the Community

“This is unconscionable. As a member of the museum community, seeing an institution that has done so much good choose something that goes against what they publicly stand for is devastating. The AIC knows better and is better than this. Do better. Keep your staff.”

Brittany Holmes, Communications, Member of the Community

“This action is unethical and makes me lose faith in the AIC.”

Evelyn Carmack, Member of the Community

“Support staff, like custodians, are valuable members of any organization. Outside providers will never be as committed as internal employees.”

Lindsay Johnson, Member of the Communtiy

“The custodial staff has consistently done an incredible job maintaining the campus and they deserve all the respect they’ve more than earned.”

Cami, Member of the Community

“My grandmother worked for the Art Institute for years and the Museum and the Goodman Theater have been inspirationally educational my entire life. From yearly Christmas Carol plays to Starry Night or admiring the armor, art, and the miniatures, I've always enjoyed my visits. Please don't sully the good name of this museum by firing your valued custodial staff and violating a union contract. What a horrible decision! As a current member of AFSCME myself, I beg of you to reconsider. It would be more fitting to run a campaign to help support your staff and call on your volunteers and contributors for assistance to honor their hard work and dedication over the years.”

Johanna Stiffler (née Laemle), Member of the Community

“As a member of the Art Institute of Chicago, this news is incredibly disappointing and unacceptable. I strongly urge management to reconsider this decision and support those who have supported the AIC with their dedication and trust as employees.”

Christina Schriver, Member of the Community

“Unions protect people and your actions show just why we need them.”

Kinga Stanek, Engineer, Member of the Community

“I am a proud alum of the School of the Art Institute, and AIC is the one thing I miss most about Chicago. It fills me with anger and despair that the management is actively seeking to just dump the very people who keep the museum looking beautiful.“

Steven Ford, Public school teacher and SAIC alum, Member of the Community

“Let the workers unionize and stop being scummy!”

Linus S, Baristas, Member of the Community

“In a city like Chicago, with such a rich history of workers’ rights activism, firing union workers would be an incredibly ill decision on AIC’s part. As a union worker myself, I would no longer be able to support AIC in good conscience. Nor would I recommend a visit to AIC to my out-of-town friends and family. You have the opportunity to do the right thing. Take it.”

Danay Barrera, Member of the Community

“Please do not outsource these jobs. They create meaningful income to residents of the city this museum calls home. Removing their income affects more than just the employee. Please do better.”

Dana Simpson, Member of the Community

“Employees are a museum's greatest asset!”

Melissa Muckenhirn, Member of the Community

“Fair contract now! Give workers their jobs back! I’m a member of the museum and I’m DISGUSTED by the museum’s actions.”

Madeleine Willars, Law Student at UIC Law, Member of the Community

“Museum leadership owes so much time, energy, and gratitude to the custodians - but at the very least they owe them space at the negotiating table. It is completely unjust to blatantly strip them of their benefits and give them so little time notice for this termination.”

Juno El-Ebrashi, SAIC Employee

“The Art Institute of Chicago is representative of the city and should maintain high standards for how it treats it's employees!”

Eli Tyo, Founder Fluxco, Member of the Community

“Custodial staff are core to the mission of anything tied to a physical place. This is both shocking disinvestment and unacceptable decision-making.”

Benjamin Berrick, Member of the Community

“So long as there is SCAB labor at the Art Institute, I will not visit. I will not give to the museum. I will not recommend others to visit the museum and, in fact, I will actively work on amplifying any boycott campaigns against the museum once they, no doubt, are organized.

Chicago is a union town. This kind of tomfoolery will not stand. What kind of cowards cut costs on the backs of their most vulnerable employees? Certainly not organizations that care about the people of the city of Chicago. Fortunately for me, there are MANY other places to see great art in town.”

Megan Elk, Communications, Member of the Community

“Don't fire the staff! Keep local custodial staff at Art Institute!”

F.S. LaFave, Photographer, Member of the Community

“I'm an Art Institute member. I'd love it if you kept the staff you have.”

Rochelle Melander, Educator, Member of the Communty

“I find it hard to believe that this decision is necessary, and not simply cruel. As a member of the community and a patron, I am disgusted.”

Michael Fragassi, Software Developer, Member of the Community

“Honor those who upkeep their hometown museum on a daily basis, keeping everything clean with a sense of joy and pride. The least you can do is treat them with the respect they so clearly deserve and allow them to keep their hometown museum clean, keep their jobs, and keep providing for themselves and their families. Do not outsource these jobs to transient folks who have no roots in this community and no long-standing relationship with this institution.”

Kristen Ferrer, Program Manager, Member of the Community

“I am a member and I support the custodians. AIC should keep these exceptional workers who make this the I important institution that it is.”

Erin Hankins, Member of the Community

“Please keep the custodial staff employed. The AIC is a pillar of the community and it should care about the people it would be terminating.”

Abigail Blake, Member of the Community

“AIC should stick to contracts undertaken.”

Valerie Legge-Nucci, Member of the Community

“Management has no right to erode union protections for our coworkers.“

Katie Bourgeois, Assistant Director of Business Operations, SAIC Employee

“I am a member at the Art Institute of Chicago, and I'm disappointed in this decision. Please give the custodians their jobs back.”

Emily DeBold, Member of the Community

“As a longtime member of the Art Institute, I value the contributions that the entire staff makes to keeping the organization functioning. That includes the custodial staff, who I have found to be incredibly helpful and professional over my years of going to the museum. Please preserve these union jobs and honor your commitments to these employees and to the greater community.”

Kerry Reid, Editor, Member of the Community

“Custodial staff are members of AIC staff and are vital to the daily operations of the museum and visitor experience. Outsourcing this role is a slap in the face of the dedication these staff have to their roles and signals that the museum does not have loyalty to its staff who serve the public. Who’s next? Your art installers, visitor experience staff, curators, archivists?”

Allison Marin, Member of the Community

“What an absolute slap in the face to people trying to work a livable wage. Art Institute should be ashamed of themselves.”

Chris Darkes, Member of the Community

“I am a paying member, and I am calling on you to stop union busting!I am a paying member, and I am calling on you to stop union busting!”

Charlie Wiland, Student, Member of the Community

“This will not stand unanswered”

G Brown, Member of the Community

“Loyalty from the employees and towards the employees will have the best results for all… including the public.”

Julio Sims, Member of the Community

“Disgraceful and unjust move by AIC.”

Emma Rosengarten, TA, SAIC Employee

“Keep Union Employees!”

Marlene Scott, Member of the Community

“I have a membership in the art Institute and I find it appalling that you would terminate these employees. The art institute has an obligation to serve the community, which includes treating your employees well and not screwing them over. If this is the way, the art Institute is going to treat its staff and I will reconsider renewing my membership and supporting you at all.”

Dr. Deborah Tudor, Member of the Community

“Custodial staff are the most vital part of any organization and are constantly overlooked and given the short end of the stick. Be better AIC!”

Seamus Armstrong, Member of the Community

“This is an unnecessary outrage of the community-AIC contract. Plus 3rd party won't really save you that much, especially when compared to the respect you lose.”

Judith DeGroat, Emerita Professor of History, Member of the Community

“I love the art institute, but these sorts of actions badly damage the reputation of the institution, and for what? Personal gain? More power over workers? How does that benefit the community? It will certainly damage my interest in renewing my membership.”

Jacob Dawson, Senior Software Developer, Member of the Community

“The long time custodians work is indespensable and the union workers should be kept, and not outsourced.”

Nancy Blaine, Member of the Community

“As a school social worker I know how vital custodial staff are to the places they work. Our schools would not function without the hard work and dedication of our custodial staff. Custodial staff bring so much to the buildings they work for, while regularly not getting the respect and care they deserve. You have amazing custodial staff and it shows. Give them their jobs back.”

Grayson Breen, School Social Worker & Therapist, Member of the Community

“Your custodial staff are important members of the community. Find the money somewhere to give them raises instead of firing them. “

Richard Gilbert, Professor, Member of the Community

“It's embarrassing that a museum this well-endowed would cut corners in this way. The indignity of offering workers their same job with fewer benefits is absolutely appalling. A world where we all have access to the arts is one where we all have our basic needs met. Shame!”

Savannah Mooney, Member of the community

“This action and timing seems unessesarily cruel and in violation of the contract. I strongly urge museum leadership to show up to the union bargaining table and negotiate in good faith.”

Elyse Allen, Associate Director of Production, Imaging, Member of the Community

“These members of our community don’t deserve to have their benefits stripped from them after all they’ve done for the art institute, give them their jobs back!”

Hannah Shalabi, Server, Member of the Community

“This is a terrible decision, not just for the employees, but for the institution. Museum custodians are skilled workers who protect the museum and its art, and should be valued as such.”

Sarah Leonard, Member of the Community

“Taking care of people is more important than taking care of things. Let's make this the best museum to work for!“

Violet Jaffe, Director of the Ryerson & Burnham Libraries, AIC Employee

“Custodial staff are an integral part of the team at the Art Institute and they should be retained in their current job with their current salary and benefits.”

Sofia Wright, Member of the Community

“These custodians are not only the reason for saic’s reputation with its facilities but also the heart of the campus who have stood by disaster after disaster. To remove these workers would be to greatly damage a sense of community that SAIC is in desperate need of.”

Stevie Foxley, Member of the Community

“Please keep all the custodians employed by the museum.”

James Poznak, Member of the Community

“What a shame to cut the lowest ranks instead the top-heavy administrative staff!”

Mara Kovacevic, Lab Manager, Membeer of the Community

“It's disgusting to fire all custodians just to save a few pennies.”

Joanne M Berens, Former AIC Employee, Member of the Community

“In my eight years at AIC, I have seen the exceptional work of the custodial team firsthand, as they have promoted our conservation goals through effective work tending to the building and as they have improved my experience working here. This move by the administration is cruel, makes our workplace worse, and should be reversed.“

Abigail Adams, Stacks & Fulfillment Manager, SAIC Employee

:”Love the art institute and how clean it is every time I visit . It’s disgusting what the AIC is doing to their employees. Think about their families and how this impacts not only the employee.

Please keep your team do not put another company due to whoever decided this was a good idea.“

Alexandra, Member of the Community

“As a member of the Art Institute of Chicago, I support the custodial staff of the institute and am upset to hear the decision to remove the staff members.”

Angelica Alvarez, AIC Member, Member of the Community

“Absolutely disappointing. The AIC was the first museum I ever went to, so it's always held a very special place in my heart; I'll definitely never look at it the same knowing that in such trying times, especially for the Latine community, those in charge chose to make life more trying for people that have likely made many sacrifices for them. Will definitely think twice about frequenting this institution in the future.”

Rocio Marquez, Member of the Community

“It’s deeply disappointing as a patron to see the way these employees have been treated after years of working for you. Hire them back.”

Alexandra Chwalik, Member of the Community

“A museum needs a full team in order to function, thrive, and serve the public. The custodial crew is imperative to that team. Keep them in house and honor your current staff!”

Jackie Reisner, Curator, Member of the Community

“Give the custodians their jobs back!! Keep it in the family!!!!!”

Logan Sanderson, Member of the Community

“Unions make us all stronger. Give them back their hard-won rights.”

Kevin Theis, President, Member of the Community

“This is not right as a world-class institution or a Chicago institution. This has to be fixed!”

George Ross Murray, Memebr of the Community

“Do not outsource the Art Institute’s custodial operations.”

Jeffrey Davis, Member of the Community

“Contract employees will never be as committed to the museum as staff employees. Save these jobs of people who care.”

Richard Blaine, Retired, Member of the Community

“Why is a non-profit public institution giving money to a CANADIAN company in order to coordinate the cleaning of a single building? Why can't this be done by Chicagoans? Why isn't the AIC prioritizing its role as a CHICAGO institution that employs Chicagoans and works with Chicago based companies? This decision is so backwards and off-putting.“

Katie Shea-Moskop, Member of the Community

“Please keep workers in house.”

Rachel Newman, Accounting associate, Member of the Community

“THESE EMPLOYEES DESERVE TO KEEP THEIR JOBS! THIS DISGUSTING!”

Vanessa Williams, Member of the Community

“Hey. Don’t be jerks. Give them their jobs back. Everyone deserves to have food on their table.”

Donnamary Melendez, Visitory Experience, Member of the Community

“Do right by your workers! AIC must lead by example on being an entity society wants to exist.”

Biaani Banuelos Nava, Member of the Community

“This is a union town.”

Marc Luzietti, Member of the Community

“Get up get down Chicago is a Union town!”

Niamh Burke, Teacher, Member of the Community

“As a long time Chicago resident, member of the Art Institute and proud union family, I am so disappointed. With this economy, deciding to continue my membership, this year, will not be automatic if the Art Institute does not change their minds.”

Pam Peterson, Member of the Community

“As a 25 year member (family membership) of the AIC and frequent visitor, I am appalled and angered by the AIC's intent to terminate the museum's custodial staff. Yes, terminate - their income, their loyalty, their hard work of - for some - more than 20 years, their paid time off, health benefits, and seniority. They aren't guaranteed jobs with the outsourcing company, and even if they ARE hired, they will still lose everything they've earned over the years.

The AIC is a joy to visit, not just because of the amazing art, but truly because every single staff member is an employee who is committed and loyal not only to their employer, but also every visitor. This includes the custodial employees.

DO NOT TERMINATE OR OUTSOURCE THESE EMPLOYEES!!”

Karen York, Retired, Member of the Community

“One of the worst and most impactful decisions Chicago public schools made in my tenure was switching from in-house custodians to Aramark. Shame on you for throwing loyal employees to the curb for the sake of some corporation who cares nothing for art or this city. “

Zachary Thompson, Teacher, Member of the Community

“The loss of experience, institutional knowledge, and morale will hurt your museum in so many ways that are harder to quantify than a short-term budget improvement. Please, do not lay off these important stewards of your institution. “

Isabel Schneider, Conservator, Member of the Community

“I am a member of the art institute and this is extremely disappointing and does not reflect the values the institute should hold “

Brett Boor, Member of the Community

“It is disheartening to see institutions such as yours treating workers so poorly. Please reconsider your decision.”

Julie Vargas, Member of the Community

“Who got paid off to hire this company? follow the money. Shameful treatment of loyal employees.”

Dimitra Lavrakas, Retired, Member of the Community

“No musuem would be able to operate without the hard work of its custodial staff, and it’s shameful that the Art Institute is showing such disregard for its employees. Fix this and do the right thing, AIC.”

Sam Tillman, Member of the Community

“Workers of the world, unite!”

Crystal Perez, Member of the Community

“Stop your greedy behavior and do right by the staff and the students. Your leadership decision is shameful.”

Javier Lopez, Designer, Member of the Community

“It is disappointing to see the AIC devalue the critical jobs that custodians do to keep this world-class arts institution operating at a high level. Please reconsider this decision! “

Helen Baker, Longtime member, Member of the Community

“Please do not betray the city's trust by taking this step. We expect better of our cultural institutions. I will recommend to all I know not to attend the Art Institute until this decision is reversed. This is heartbreaking as it is one of the city's jewels. Don't force her patrons to decide between continuing to enjoy and learn from the institute and doing the right thing. Thank you.”

Mary Cahill, Member of the Community

“Give their jobs back”

Jennifer Gomez, Veterna, Member of the Community

““Measure twice, cut once.” There’s a lot of redundancy on the payroll; custodial services isn’t the guilty party.”

Anne Morse, Adjunct, AIC Employee

“I'm the proud daughter of Marco Velazquez, whom is currently employed as a custodian at the Art Institute of Chicago. My father has dedicated more than two decades of his life to the Museum. He is the most noble and hardworking man I know. God truly blessed our family with an incredible father. He has given so much time and effort to his employment, that it's truly disheartening that he along with his coworkers are enduring this situation. My dad's life has completely changed since the news broke out. It's taken a negative toll on him because he's worried about his family's future. Please put yourself in their shoes for a moment, and imagine having a secure job one day, and then losing it the next. It's not easy, and it's very unfair. Please don't turn your backs on the custodial staff that have given their all to ensure the Museum is presentable for the public. The custodial staff have dedicated many years of work and care to the Museum. Therefore, ending the partnership between the custodial staff and the Museum is unecessary, and impractical There are other ways to support your custodial staff.

All in all, thank you to the AMAZING custodial staff! A huge thank you to my dad for everything he has accomplished the last 20+ years. You're my HERO!

with lots of love,

Jocelyn Velazquez”

Jocelyn Velazquez, Teacher, Member of the Community

“I am very upset to hear these workers may lose their jobs. Outsourcing is never a solution that benefits workers and I would expect better from the Art Institute. Reverse the decision!“

Natalie Becker-Stevens, Member of the Community

“Unless there was cause, these folks need their job back.”

Devina Dhawan, Security engineer, Memebr of the Community

“I stand with museum workers. All work is skilled labor.”

Gabotero, Library customer advisor, Member of the Community

“As a resident of Chicago I am opposed to the decision to terminate these employees.”

Torin Boeke, Member of the Community

“Chicago doesn't cut Union jobs”

Jacksom Straulin, Public Accountant, Member of the Community

“If the Art Institute terminates the custodial staff, I will never visit the museum again and I will never recommend it to any out of town guests.”

Lauren Jankowski, Author, Member of the Community

“I’m very disappointed that a Chicago institution dedicated to culture and history would treat union workers so poorly. The Art Institute needs to value their employees, custodial staff is critical to the functioning of any place.”

Caroline Hartwell, Member of the Community

“It is imperative and a duty to take care of those who have dedicated their lives to the Institute. The custodial staff’s loyalty and dedication is part of the Institute. They deserve to be heard and respected.“

Lourdes Gracia, Member of the Community

“This is highly disappointing coming from a community gem. Tired of outsourcing, relinquishing of responsibility, and ultimately higher administrative costs. Take care of your people and they'll take care of you.”

Violeta Fuduric, Member of the Community

“Workers of the World Unite!”

Mohammad Qureshi, HVAC Technician, Member of the Community

“The ART Institute is a symbol of pride for our community and the custodians who have been involved in making this institution be what it is today deserve better. Kindly consider giving them their jobs back and instead consider a way for you to balance your budget at the same time by raising money from a combination of measures - (a) consider increasing ticket prices by a modest amount (b) make an appeal to individual patrons and (c) corporate donors to help fund the budgetary gap. I am sure there is a way to balance your books without taking this drastic action against employees who have served this institution over decades 🙏. “

Subho Satpathy, Member of the Community

“Custodial staff is dedicated to maintaining a service for the public to enjoy. Please reconsider this decision to maintain the quality of the art institute”

Jonathan duca, Member of the Community

“These hardworking staff are a vital reason why I am a member at AIC. They keep the place super presentable, and feel like part of my family. Knowing AIC is willingly risking the jobs of great team members would completely destroy the brand equity I, and thousands of Chicagoans, have of this place. We would stop attending, stop recommending it, and stop”

Cesar Jimenez, Member of the Community

“These people have been doing these jobs for years and decades. They know the ins and outs of how to care for AIC. The Institute is being cheap. They're basically saying they don't want to have to give and employee benefits or reasonable pay. That's cheap.”

Jace Thorpe, Member of the Community

“I have a strong connection to the art institute for personal reasons, and evidence that the institute does not value its employees will impact my willingness to donate, and cause me to push family members to cancel their memberships.”

John Dronzek, Member of the Community

“We owe so much to the people who maintain our spaces. Many of the niceties we pride ourselves on are upheld by the working people who take pride in that system. The gall to sell out those who we owe so much is unconscionable”

Teagen Barnett, Wildlife Technician, Member of the Community

“The art institute is the cleanest museum thanks to these people. They work extremely hard and well and should not be replaced by a company that is going to do half the work.”

Ford, Member of the Community

“Rehiring people that are going to do a worse job than the people there for 20+ years is going to be the direct root cause for lowering quality and future shutdown of the museum which is probably what the rich donors+owners want because they care about preserving their money, never the museum.”

Daniela Perez, Member of the Community

“I am so disappointed by the Art Institute. You need to restore the jobs of these workers and give them the dignity they deserve.”

Jeff Pasieka, Education, Member of the Community

“These hard working remembers of the community keep museums like this great it is a shame to see how little they are truly cared for after serving the museum for so many years.”

Christopher Joazard, DJ, Member of the Community

“The dedication and loyalty that your custodial staff have shown through their decades of work should be celebrated and protected. Custodial staff make it possible for visitors see the collection and only the collection. When you step into a space that has been cared for by people who take pride in their work, you can feel it. This effort creates a specific type of welcoming environment that cannot otherwise be replicated. In my 8 years working in museums, I have learned to value every individual that contributes to making a museum what it is, and I ask you to employ this perspective and give your custodians their jobs back.“

Jessica Malatia, Museum Events Manager, SAIC Employee

“Why be like big corporations more concerned about bottom line over employee welfare? Are you looking to despised by the public? Keep the union employees, rise above our hyper capitalist society. Think like an artist.”

Mary Bunker, Member of the Community

“Custodial staff are a vital part of any art gallery and their efforts are immediately visible to everyone who walks through the doors. They deserve job security and a livable wage. Treating dedicated employees this way is shameful and tarnishes the reputation of the gallery.”

Christine Lylyk, Art Historian, Member of the Community

“As a membership holder at the Art Institute, I am upset to hear that the staff are not being treated with the respect that they deserve in being fired in favor of subcontractors. I implore you to keep them and provide working conditions that will not only help valuable community members have the great workplace they deserve, but will also be incredibly important in maintaining the Art Institute as a pillar of culture in the city. To take jobs away from community members that have worked for you for years, decades even, is especially unconscionable in this economy. Do the right thing-- your paying membership holders are watching.”

Jessica Smith, Member of the Community

“The Art Institute needs to be a pillar of our community, do not hand over custodial services to a private company. The community will remember. “

James Romo, Member of the Community

“workers make the art institute great. by getting rid of loyal workers you forsake the very values you claim to champion.”

Nora Haynsworth, Member of the Community

“Unconscionable.”

Pat Guizzetti, Artist, Member of the Community

“Custodial staff keep the museum functioning. With such a special space, it is appalling that the c-suite of the museum would want to fire those who have developed the skill over decades to keep the Art Institute clean and in working order. I support the union; its formation has made me excited about going to the museum again. And, I definitely support the people who have made sure there toilet paper is stocked when I get there!”

Tory deMartelly, Member of the Community

“Custodial staff are responsible for making our museums beautiful. Without them, no one would want to visit. Please show them the respect and the appreciation they deserve for their decades of hard work for the museum and service to the community. Do not replace them.“

Mike Zarra, Lmt, Member of the Community

“Treat your staff well! The custodians are essential to protect the environment and art. AIC made a huge mistake when they started contracting out docents/security - I miss the days when the person standing in the gallery actually knew and cared about the artwork! “

Mariah, Photographer, Member of the Community

“Why would you turn your backs on the people most loyal to you:?”

Kierstin Voelz, Registered Nurse, Member of the Community

“The art institute custodial staff is the top in all the art world museums. They are kind, I have been a member of the art institute for over ten years. As I pop in an elevator or see them in the hallways, I always make a point to say hi. After being to other museums this staff is the happiest and they will help people willingly. These staff members have been loyal to the institute, now is the time for the institute to be loyal to them. Keep them! “

Emily Casella, Art Professor, Member of the Community

“As a lifelong Illinois resident who has visited the art institute I don’t know how often, I’ve always been struck by how beautifully maintained and cared for every inch of the museum has been. This custodial staff is excellent and they should be able to continue doing great work in an institution that they’re so vital in maintaining for the community.”

Nathan Winer, Editor, Member of the Community

“I am outraged and heartbroken that the Art Institute of Chicago has chosen to place profits over people. This is not what the museum stands for nor is it what the collections represent. Hold firm to your beliefs and what you claim with your curations. Do what you KNOW is right.”

Valentina Esho, Cytology Lab Technician, Member of the Community

“I stand with the custodial staff who should keep their contract and their jobs. Outsourcing is not the best solution and would absolutely affect my family’s decision to continue to be members of the Art Institute (as we have been for years).”

Jenn Oswald, CPS Teacher, Member of the Community

“Don’t outsource labor!”

Troy chairez, Member of the Community

“This is a cruel act to fire all of the custodial staff and go w a private company. Let’s remember the pledge of humanity that all arts leaders must stand by and promote!”

Melissa Wood, Illustrator (former student of SAIC), Member of the Community

“These employees have invested decades into your organization; return the commitment and invest in them.”

Maria Blanco, Member of the Community

“You can not promote and continue to ask for support for the arts and showcase revolutionary artist like Elizabeth Catlett and profit off of work that depicts the everyday laborer and then discard those same people who have been such an important part of maintaining these space for years”

Tiffani Curry, Member of the Community

“This is no way to treat an entire department of loyal, hardworking staff that your institute simply COULD NOT FUNCTION WITHOUT. These are locals, community members, members of the AIC family and deserve to stay right where they are at. Please do not do this.”

Eric Trapp, Project Manager, Member of the Community

“I support the local union community and the dedicated staff members. Do not outsource these jobs. “

Tanya Keenan, Customer success manager, Member of the Community

“The Art Institute is one of my favorite places in Chicago. I am a longtime patron and am always amazed at the curation, care and cleanliness. I was there a couple of weeks ago along with oceans of tourists and every room looked pristine. The custodial staff is clearly doing an amazing job, I do not support outsourcing this labor and making these valuable employees less protected. The Art Institute is risking their jobs and the other well deserved benefits they receive by being unionized employees of a public institution. “

Sarah Cohen, Member of the Community

“So sick of companies and institutions doing this. And we wonder why everything becomes mediocre at best, because when you farm out the work to a third party who pays low wages with crappy or no benefits, you will never get the same work ethic, loyalty or institutional knowledge of the original workers. My company has done the same in several departments and every time it has screwed over the rest of the workforce because the commitment and quality just isn’t the same and the new third party employees do not have have the same knowledge base of the company policies or procedures which is essential to understanding how to get things done effectively and efficiently. All so that the shareholders and the c suite/board/upper management can make more money. They don’t care if it lessens the experience of their patrons/customers or employees as long as their pockets get lined. “

Leslie Shimmin, Member of the Community

“The rights of workers are of paramount importance in building a future for the arts community and the country at large”

Felicia M Elias, Adjunct Faculty, Member of the Community

“Please do not outsource custodial staff as they have dedicated their lives to the institution.”

Sara Seibt, Member of the Community

“Please do not outsource custodial staff. Allow the workers to remain in their positions! They have dedicated their lives to properly caring for the art. They deserve to retain their positions and benefits. “

Olivia Henry, Community Member

“Please do not outsource custodial staff and allow the workers to stay in their positions.”

Danielle Sernett, Member of the Community

“Please do not outsource custodial staff, as they have dedicated decades of their lives to maintaining the Art Institute.”

Beth Caloway, Member of the Community

“Custodial staff is an integral part of this institution. To cast them aside would be a disgrace.”

Aersen Lease, Bookseller, Member of the Community

“I’m disappointed by AIC’s decision to outsource existing staff’s positions to a third-party vendor. It strikes me as a short-sighted attempt to save money that will likely result in greater costs in the future, including for workers who will not have the union-backing that the current staff do.”

Margaret Brennan, Member of the Community

“You are throwing away priceless institutional knowledge about the specialized environment within the museum. This is foundational to the care and safety of the artwork. Employees of a contractor will be focused on surface level care with extreme quotas set by someone who doesn't have knowledge or care about artwork. The employees are the museum and they shape the quality of the visitor perception and experience. Even considering telling the public a lot about what the museum is becoming, and it's not positive.”

DiDi Grimm, Member of the community

“As a member of the community and artist. It is important to consider how we structure our art spaces and how these spaces serve the community. It is imperative that the current undersigned staff stay employed as they have showed their loyalty and dedication to maintaining the space with personal connection to the facility. Bringing in a private company will cause the loss of salary to these hardworking individuals. “

Carly Gehm, Artist, educator, Member of the Community

“it’s very important 2 protect those who have had your back. these workers have sacrificed much during their time working 4 this company and their bosses, the least yall can do is either protect their job or provide another solution 4 them.”

taryn, inclusion aide, host, student, Member of the Community

“AIC is an incredible institution that gives so much to Chicagoans, Illinoisans, and other visitors. Its employees deserve to be valued as the essential part of that contribution that they are. I expect better than this. Do the right thing.”

Zach Jacobs, Member of the Community

“I will stop going to the Art Institute if this happens”

Katie Garside, Member of the Community

“i love you unions”

Sam Bush, student, Member of the Community

“I think the treatment and total disregard for the janitorial is disgusting. I'm sickened by there actions and feel ashamed to be associated with this institution.”

Josiah Bates, SAIC Student and waiter, Member of the Community

“As someone born and raised in the Chicagoland area, visiting Chicago museums like AIC has been an important part of my life as long as I can remember. The staff who have been tending to the museum for my entire life deserve to keep their jobs, and any institution engaging in any even remotely anti-union behaviors is entirely wrong.”

Brudget Wuest, Member of the Community

“Shameful“

Michelle Ziemba, Member of the Community

“These loyal staff members deserve to be treated with respect and dignity after decades of commitment and service to the Art Institute. Many of the most thought provoking artists and creatives (Banksy, Käthe Kollwitz, Ingrid Pollard, etc.) were working class. In fact- Keith Haring even worked as a maintenance job at the Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts center. Art is the sensory synthesis of the human experience; if you cut the working class members from your staff, all you will show is that your loyalty lies only with money. According to the Center for American Progress, 60.7% of the American workforce are working class. By demonstrating your disregard for the working class, you demonstrate your disregard for the arts, community, and humanity.“

Henrick Ingram, Member of the Community

“I am an AIC annual member and I regret my decision to renew. Shame, AIC, SHAME!”

Gene Ha, Artist, Member of the Community

“SUPPORT UNIONS”

virginia, concerned citizen, Member of the Community

“Do right by your employees and uphold their contract. Outsourcing weakens a workplace.”

Jax Goodwin, Member of the Community

“Protect workers rights”

Edwina luokkala burckhardt, Artist, Member of the Community

“Have some empathy!“

Jose Anthony, Member of the Community

“My parents are both retired custodians. Working at the same place for decades means they know what the building needs in terms of maintenance. It means having someone who is dependable. It means having someone who cares about the space and will show up to keep things sanitary. It means having guests who keep returning because a space is clean. It means that when it’s time to retire the whole building staff will show up to give them their flowers because they made people smile with their hellos and accommodated to special requests of the people who work there. It means that when they retire they will provide all the best information and advice to the next custodian.”

Tahiry C., Teacher, Member of the Community

“Stay loyal to the workers that have been loyal to you!“

Kevin Strohm, Member of the Community

“This is incredibly disappointing and another way to push out marginalized groups and workers. You highlight the works of Georgia O’Keeffe who empowered hard workers, paved the way for femme and queer artists and worked tirelessly on her craft until she died; your custodial employees are not much different. They maintain a gorgeous space for people to observe/learn/admire art, that’s empowerment. They hold high standards for the museum and many have worked for you for decades, that’s passion behind their work. You’ve made a huge mistake by attempting to privatize the custodial needs of the museum. You’ve also made a huge mistake by forgetting Chicago is a UNION CITY. We always have been and so much of our history surrounds unionizing. Do better, don’t make me never come back to see my favorite artist Georgia, cause I will just never come back. "

Hannah Fishkin, Member of the Community

“Shame on the Art Institute of Chicago leadership and Board for tunring their backs on their own custodial staff!”

Maida Rosenstein, Member of the Community

“These workers deserve to keep their jobs and have stability.”

Meagan C, Member of the Community

“Shameful to take away jobs from loyal employees whose intensive labor has allowed the Art Institute to flourish. Sending my best wishes and hoping to see change.”

Hannah Denne, Member of the Community

“I’m a long time member and I support the janitor staff. They are professional and do an excellent job. Give them their jobs back. Do better by them.”

Le’Ana banks, Member of the Community