Formed in 2021, AICWU represents the AIC museum staff, school staff and the non-tenure-track faculty members. Last year, the union members voted to join their union with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Photo by Ankit Khadgi
Kristi McGuire, Adjunct Associate Professor, holding a placard during the protest. McGuire is one the members of the faculyt bargaining committee for the union. Photo by Ankit Khadgi
“SAIC and AIC couldn’t exist without the collective effort of the staff and the non-tenure track (NTT) faculty,” Kristi McGuire, said in her speech at the rally. Photo by Ankit Khadgi
Union members spoke against the administration claiming that they are delaying the contract negotiations. Photo by Ankit Khadgi
A placard held up during the rally reading: “ARTIE SAYS WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER’. Photo by Ankit Khadgi
The protestors picketed in a circle carrying slogans like ‘Fair contract Now.’ Photo by Ankit Khadgi
Students at SAIC were also present and extended their support to the union. Photo by Ankit Khadgi
Members of the bargaining committee said that the negotiation process with the management was frustrating and humiliating. Photo by Ankit Khadgi
Ankit Khadgi (MAVCS 2024) is a Nepali journalist based in Chicago. His work has appeared in several publications, including the Guardian, the Kathmandu Post, and the Gaysi Family.
F NewsMultimediaPhoto Essay: Union members protest against Art Institute management for delaying contract