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Chicago History Museum Workers Ratify First Union Contract

Harold Phillips | Published on 8/28/2026

Workers at the Chicago History Museum have ratified their first union contract, after what the union representing the workers called “some of the worst anti-union retaliation we’ve seen.” 

In May, the National Labor Relations Board issued a rare formal complaint, alleging that under the museum’s previous president, Donald Lassere, management retaliated against employees who voted to unionize in 2025.

Shortly after that vote, four employees were fired, while others were disciplined or threatened with termination, according to the NLRB. The board found the museum violated federal labor laws.

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