Workers at the Obama Foundation, which operates the recently opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, have announced plans to unionize amid concerns over increased workloads, reduced benefits, and high staff turnover, according to a letter shared with staff this week. The organizing effort, led by employees including Luke Gilday, follows what workers describe as minimal support from leadership and vague responses to their concerns about compensation and workplace conditions.
The Obama Foundation confirmed the unionization effort in a statement, acknowledging receipt of the letter and expressing openness to dialogue with employees. Foundation spokesperson Emily Mayfield stated that leadership is reviewing the concerns raised and remains committed to addressing staff needs. The foundation did not provide further details on potential changes to policies or compensation.
The unionization push comes months after the Obama Presidential Center opened to the public in June, following years of construction and a budget that ballooned from an initial estimate of $300 million to over $850 million. The center, which includes a museum, public gathering spaces, and offices for the Obama Foundation, has faced criticism for its design and cost overruns. Contractors previously alleged payment disputes tied to the project, including a nearly $4 million dispute involving a plumbing company that led to layoffs of 25 union workers.
In the letter to colleagues, workers cited reduced healthcare benefits, suspended promotions, and cuts to paid time off as key grievances, alongside stagnant wages despite rising living costs. The letter, signed by dozens of employees, also highlighted concerns about institutional knowledge loss due to high turnover, with departing staff taking expertise with them. Workers emphasized their goal is to secure a voice in decisions affecting their employment conditions.
The Obama Foundation’s executive compensation has also drawn scrutiny. In 2024, CEO Valerie Jarrett earned $740,000, while total salaries and benefits for the organization rose from $18.5 million in 2018 to $43.7 million in 2024. The foundation has defended executive pay, stating it reflects competitive market rates for comparable organizations. The unionization effort invokes former President Barack Obama’s public support for organized labor, with workers framing their actions as consistent with his advocacy for workers' rights.
Foundation leadership has not publicly addressed whether they will recognize the union formally or enter negotiations. The organizing committee, named Obama Workers United, has not specified a timeline for next steps but indicated plans to engage with foundation management in the coming weeks. The effort reflects broader trends in nonprofit and cultural institutions, where employees have increasingly turned to unionization to address workplace disparities amid rising operational costs and funding pressures.