Obama Foundation Staff Move to Unionize 250 Workers Over Benefits and Working Conditions
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 8
Obama Foundation Staff Move to Unionize 250 Workers Over Benefits and Working Conditions
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 8
Summary
Dozens of Obama Foundation employees have launched Obama Workers United, a union drive that would cover more than 250 staff across Chicago, Washington and remote roles.
Workers said heavier workloads, rolled-back benefits and weak responses from leadership have fueled turnover, leaving remaining staff to absorb lost institutional knowledge.
The organizing committee is working with AFSCME Council 31 and urged foundation leaders not to use anti-union lawyers, meetings or messaging against the effort.
The campaign pointed to Barack Obama’s 2016 pro-union message, while the foundation said it respects employees’ right to organize and will approach the process collaboratively.
The push comes as scrutiny around the foundation’s labor practices grows, months after reports highlighted CEO Valerie Jarrett’s $740,000 pay and total salaries and benefits rising to $43.7 million in 2024.