Detroit Institute of Arts Workers File for Union Representation, Citing Inspiration from Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals.
A group of Detroit Institute of Arts employees have filed for union representation, citing the museum's own artwork as a source of inspiration. The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) chapter in Michigan announced that it is seeking voluntary recognition from the DIA to represent its members.
The decision comes on the heels of a renewed focus on labor rights in the city, which has long been associated with organized labor. For many employees, Diego Rivera's iconic Detroit Industry Murals have become an integral part of the museum's identity and a powerful symbol of worker dignity.
"It's a difficult topic to avoid given that the DIA is home to Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals," said Tyler Taylor, who started working at the museum as an intern in 2008. "I don't know of a greater celebration of labor power and collaboration that has entered the canon. You can't help but be influenced by that work, how Rivera depicted the dignity of labor."
The DIA Workers United effort seeks to address issues such as fair pay, job security, and a voice in decision-making processes that affect their work. Taylor emphasized the importance of having a collective presence at the museum, saying, "You always feel more secure when you're supported by your colleagues and you're working in concert toward a shared goal."
The announcement comes after workers connected with AFSCME earlier this year. The group is now giving the DIA 48 hours to recognize their union. The organization claims that this move would be a positive signal for the city, emphasizing collaboration and respect for employees.
In response to the union effort, the DIA acknowledged the request, stating that it values its staff and respects their rights to organize. However, the museum also emphasized its commitment to creating a fair, supportive, and inspiring workplace.
A group of Detroit Institute of Arts employees have filed for union representation, citing the museum's own artwork as a source of inspiration. The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) chapter in Michigan announced that it is seeking voluntary recognition from the DIA to represent its members.
The decision comes on the heels of a renewed focus on labor rights in the city, which has long been associated with organized labor. For many employees, Diego Rivera's iconic Detroit Industry Murals have become an integral part of the museum's identity and a powerful symbol of worker dignity.
"It's a difficult topic to avoid given that the DIA is home to Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals," said Tyler Taylor, who started working at the museum as an intern in 2008. "I don't know of a greater celebration of labor power and collaboration that has entered the canon. You can't help but be influenced by that work, how Rivera depicted the dignity of labor."
The DIA Workers United effort seeks to address issues such as fair pay, job security, and a voice in decision-making processes that affect their work. Taylor emphasized the importance of having a collective presence at the museum, saying, "You always feel more secure when you're supported by your colleagues and you're working in concert toward a shared goal."
The announcement comes after workers connected with AFSCME earlier this year. The group is now giving the DIA 48 hours to recognize their union. The organization claims that this move would be a positive signal for the city, emphasizing collaboration and respect for employees.
In response to the union effort, the DIA acknowledged the request, stating that it values its staff and respects their rights to organize. However, the museum also emphasized its commitment to creating a fair, supportive, and inspiring workplace.
. Fair pay, job security, and having a say in decisions that affect their work - it's like, no brainer! I mean, who wouldn't want to feel supported by colleagues and be part of a team working towards a shared goal? 
It's about time the DIA acknowledged their staff's rights to organize and create a positive, inspiring workplace. Let's give these workers some props for taking matters into their own hands 
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my grandma used to work in museums too she said it was super boring but i guess not for everyone... anyway what's the deal with diego rivera's murals? are they still as cool today as they were when they were first made? 
and btw what's afscme stand for? American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees? sounds like a mouthful 
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. It's not always easy to talk shop, but maybe this will be a positive change for the museum and its employees 
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I know some people love Diego Rivera's murals, but does that mean we have to organize our workplaces around them too? 
it's kinda cool that they're taking inspiration from those iconic murals by diego rivera 
i mean who wouldn't want to be part of a team where labor power and collaboration are celebrated? 
. They're using those Detroit Industry Murals as a Trojan horse to sneak in all sorts of radical ideas about worker rights and "collective dignity"... it's like they're trying to turn the museum into a giant union headquarters, with Diego Rivera's artwork serving as some kind of twisted propaganda tool 
. The DIA will be nothing but a pawn in their game of social engineering...
so now they're sayin' diego rivera's murals inspired them 2 file 4 union representation lol what's next? 
the dte workers are all like "hey, we wanna be treated fair, just like the dudes who painted the murals" and i'm over here like yaaas girl, u go get that collective voice & those decent wages 