Shedd Aquarium staff claim speech restrictions on union discussions

On Tuesday, union members from Shedd Workers United, a subunit of AFSCME Council 31, filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that Shedd Aquarium management has been restricting discussions related to their newly formed union. The union claims that since its announcement in April, management has selectively enforced a no-solicitation policy, allowing non-work-related discussions while suppressing union-related conversations. This has raised concerns about the legality of management's actions, as the union argues that employees should have the right to discuss union matters just as they do other non-work topics. The Shedd Workers United organizing committee emphasized that management's interference, threats, and retaliation against union discussions are illegal under labor laws. They assert that if employees can talk about personal matters or solicit support for non-work causes, they should also be able to discuss unionization efforts and ask coworkers to sign union cards. The union's charge highlights a perceived double standard in how management enforces its policies. In response, Shedd Aquarium issued a statement disagreeing with the union's claims, stating that they have not received the charge and maintain a policy prohibiting solicitation during working hours. The aquarium expressed its commitment to fostering a respectful workplace culture and supporting employees in exploring their options regarding unionization. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between management and union members, as the latter seeks to assert their rights to discuss unionization freely. The outcome of the unfair labor practice charge could have significant implications for labor relations at the Shedd Aquarium and potentially influence similar cases in other workplaces.