The Detroit Institute of Arts announced on Mar. 30 that over 200 team members from departments across the museum will now be represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) in a newly formed bargaining unit.
This development is significant for museum employees who were not previously represented by a union, as it expands union representation within the institution and reflects ongoing collaboration between DIA management and labor organizations.
According to the announcement, “The Detroit Institute of Arts is grateful to its staff, whose talent and dedication make our mission possible. For decades, it has maintained longstanding, respectful relationships with the two unions that represent some DIA staff, including the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The DIA and AFSCME will continue to work together in that same spirit.”
In November, AFSCME requested voluntary recognition as the bargaining representative for employees not currently covered by a union contract. The DIA responded by agreeing with AFSCME to use a card check process—a method where a neutral third party verifies employee support—to determine whether these workers wanted union representation. The process was conducted recently by an independent third party who found that most team members in the defined group supported being represented by AFSCME.
Both parties have emphasized their shared commitment moving forward: “Both the DIA and AFSCME are committed to a fair, supportive, and inspiring workplace and look forward to a productive and professional relationship,” according to their joint message.
The establishment of this new bargaining unit marks an important step in labor relations at one of Detroit’s major cultural institutions.
