Detroit Institute of Arts Workers Announce Union Drive, Call for Voluntary Recognition

Detroit, MI — Workers at the Detroit Institute of Arts have initiated a campaign to form a union with AFSCME Michigan and are urging museum leadership to voluntarily recognize their union. The effort unites staff from various departments who share a common goal: building a fair, transparent, and respectful workplace that aligns with the values the museum shares with the community.

“Strong cultural institutions make strong communities,” said Francesca Catalfio, spokesperson for DIA Workers United. “We’re proud of the work we do to connect people to art and culture every day. Now we’re organizing for the same respect and dignity we show the public because a stronger DIA starts with a fair workplace for everyone.”

DIA Workers United joins cultural workers across the country who are organizing with AFSCME to fight for fair pay, job security, and a voice in the decision-making process that affects their work. Workers say they want to continue to build on the values celebrated in the museum’s galleries and enshrine those values in a collective bargaining agreement. 

Workers and community members can learn more and show their support at diaworkersunited.org.