Tessa Solomon at ARTnews reports Workers employed at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) have announced plans to form a Union, joining a wave of organizing that has swept Cultural Institutions across the U.S. in recent years. According to a statement, DIA Staff are seeking to Unionize with American Federation of State, County & Municipal (AFSCME) Cultural Workers United (AFSCME Michigan), a Division of the National AFSCME Union that represents Workers at a number of Cultural Institutions - including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The DIA Union Campaign is seeking “a fair, transparent, and respectful workplace that aligns with the values the museum shares with the community,” the statement added. “Strong cultural institutions make strong communities,” DIA Workers United Spokesperson Francesca Catalfio said. “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.” 

For More On This Organizing Labor News Story, Go To: Detroit Institute of Arts Workers Announce Move to Unionize