Art Institute Custodial Staff Protest Outsourcing of Jobs
Workers United, the union representing custodial staff at the Art Institute of Chicago, is protesting the museum's decision to outsource approximately 23 custodial jobs to a third-party contractor, GDI Integrated Facility Services, effective August 15. The union argues this move…
Chicago, IL, July 30, 2026 —
CHICAGO – Custodial staff at the Art Institute of Chicago, represented by Workers United, are protesting the museum’s plan to outsource approximately 23 custodial positions to a third-party contractor. The outsourcing is scheduled to take effect on August 15, with GDI Integrated Facility Services set to take over the services.
The union has voiced strong opposition to the decision, asserting that it unfairly targets long-term employees. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential loss of employee benefits and the disruption of established working relationships within the museum. In response to the museum’s move, Workers United has filed grievances against the Art Institute.
In a statement, the Art Institute of Chicago indicated that the decision to outsource was made to “better support daily museum operations.” The museum also noted that employees affected by this change will be given the opportunity to transition to employment with GDI Integrated Facility Services. The contractor is represented by a different union.
The specific details regarding the impact on employee benefits and the terms of transition for affected staff were not immediately provided. The union’s grievances are currently pending.
Story summarized from the original created by Ambar Colón on www.wbez.org, see more information here.
