Employees at the Obama Foundation, founded by former President Barack Obama, are attempting to unionize, claiming that management has been reducing benefits, not adequately addressing their concerns, and causing the departure of experienced team members. This information comes from a letter that was reviewed.
As they push to form a union called Obama Workers United, the staff is referencing Obama’s well-known support for labor organizations, urging the foundation’s leadership to respect their right to organize.
In the letter, which has been signed by many employees, it’s highlighted that growing workloads, diminished benefits, and minimal support from management have all contributed to a significant turnover rate within the organization responsible for the newly opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Amid these challenges, employees noted, “Amidst increasing workloads we have seen our benefits rolled back and support from leadership to be minimal. When we voice concerns we are met with vague responses, leading to uncertainty about our future with the foundation.”
They also mentioned how departing colleagues have taken essential knowledge with them, leaving those who remain to struggle with their duties.
This situation has unfolded a few months after reports surfaced about Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett’s compensation of $740,000 in 2024, while the total salaries and benefits for the organization rose from $18.5 million in 2018 to $43.7 million in 2024. At that time, the foundation defended its pay practices, suggesting these salaries align with competitive market rates among similar nonprofits.
The organizing committee, collaborating with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, requested that foundation leadership refrain from disrupting the unionization process.
In their letter, they stated, “We urge senior leadership to honor our legal right to form a union and not waste resources on anti-union messaging, anti-union lawyers, or anti-union meetings.”
The employees then referenced Obama’s words from a 2016 letter that encouraged union participation. He remarked, “If I were looking for a good job that lets me build some security for my family, I’d join a union. If I saw a problem in my workplace, I’d organize my coworkers to do something about it.”
The potential union would encompass over 250 workers from the foundation’s offices in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and remote roles across the country. Fox News Digital has contacted the Obama Foundation regarding the employees’ concerns and their plans for recognizing the union voluntarily.
The foundation previously stated that it supports the employees’ right to organize. A spokesperson emphasized their commitment to this principle, saying, “We are deeply committed to the fundamental right of workers to organize and make their voices heard.” They also expressed gratitude for staff contributions and a desire to work effectively with labor representatives.
