The Art Institute of Chicago to Cut Its Entire Custodial Staff
The Art Institute of Chicago said it plans to eliminate its entire in-house custodial workforce in August by outsourcing cleaning to GDI Integrated Facility Services, a Canada-based contractor. Up to 25 custodians—including 23 unionized workers represented by AFSCME Council 31—would lose their current jobs, though the museum said affected staff could apply for positions with the contractor subject to a separate screening process. AIC Workers United called the plan a “devastating and unconscionable injustice” and warned of lost benefits, while union lawyers filed a grievance alleging inadequate notice and demanding bargaining. The union said the change would take effect on August 14 and planned a rally for Wednesday, July 22. The move follows earlier layoffs at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago last November, when 20 workers were laid off and the Video Data Bank was shuttered due to declining enrollment.
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This story was covered in Culture Wars and AI’s Art Power Play