Michigan Science Center Workers Vote to Join UAW

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Michigan Science Center Workers Vote to Join UAW

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Workers at the Michigan Science Center (MI-SCI)* voted 24-1 last Friday to join the UAW in a National Labor Relations Board election the UAW said today. The new bargaining unit includes guest relations workers and educators.

“The victory at MI-SCI proves that when workers stand together, workers win,” said UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English. “The employees at MI-SCI organized because they wanted their voices heard, their work respected, and a real seat at the table. Their courage and unity made this moment possible. Every worker deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to help shape their workplace. UAW Region 1 proudly stands with the workers at MI-SCI as they begin this new chapter. They believed in each other, stayed united, and they won.”

“The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) has been informed that eligible hourly employees have voted in favor of union representation through the United Auto Workers (UAW). We respect the outcome of this process and our employees’ right to make this decision. As we move into the next phase, our focus remains on working together, as one team, in support of our mission to ‘put YOU at the center of science.’ We are committed to continuing to deliver immersive, engaging, and impactful STEM experiences for the communities we serve in Detroit and across Michigan,” MI-SCI told AutoInformed.

“MI-SCI workers approached the UAW about forming a union at their workplace due to ongoing bullying and harassment by management, scheduling issues, and lack of a voice at work. In addition, management constantly implemented new policies and programs without seeking feedback from the workers who interact with visitors every day and represent the public face of the Science Center,” the UAW said.

*Mi-Sci

The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) says it “has been designated a Smithsonian Affiliate, joining a national network of museums, educational institutions and cultural organizations in sharing the resources of the Smithsonian Institution. Started in 1996, the Smithsonian Affiliates Program is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships that share Smithsonian collections, build collaborative networks and engage learners of all ages with Smithsonian resources. With over 200 affiliates in nearly every state, Puerto Rico, and Panama, the Smithsonian is able to reach an expanded audience not easily accessed without the benefit of these partnerships. This affiliation will enable MiSci to work closely with the Smithsonian to bring additional programs, exhibits, and professionals to the museum. Our members will also have the opportunity to have a joint membership with the Smithsonian, for double the exploration and learning.”

“This affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution is a significant recognition for our institution. It recognizes our excellence in programs, exhibits and educational activities for families, students and with teachers,” said Dr. Christian Greer, President and CEO of MiSci. “I am so incredibly proud of our team, Board and the metro Detroit community. They all have played key roles in helping our institution achieve this high point in both national and international recognition.”

“We are proud to partner with the Michigan Science Center, an organization dedicated to placing its guests at the center of science,” said Myriam Springuel, director of Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Smithsonian Affiliations. “With a mission that so thoroughly matches the work of the Smithsonian, we are honored to welcome the MiSci into the Smithsonian Affiliate family, and we look forward to working together to share the inspiring stories of its community and our nation.”

About Ken Zino

Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
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