Obama Foundation workers move to unionize over benefits, working conditions months after center opens
Employees at former President Barack Obama's foundation are moving to unionize, accusing leadership of rolling back benefits, failing to address workplace concerns and driving away experienced staff, according to a letter reviewed by Fox News Digital.The workers are invoking Obama's own public support for organized labor as they seek to form Obama Workers United, urging foundation leadership to respect their right to organize.In the letter, signed by dozens of employees, workers said increasing workloads, reduced benefits and a lack of support from leadership have contributed to high staff turnover at the foundation, which operates the recently opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.OBAMA CENTER ISN'T A TRADITIONAL PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY.CRITICS SAY IT'S AN ACTIVISM CENTERAn aerial view shows the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park on Chicago's South Side.
The center includes a museum tower, public gathering spaces, athletic facilities and offices for the Obama Foundation.(Fox News Flight Team)"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," the workers wrote.The employees said departing colleagues have taken valuable institutional knowledge with them, leaving remaining staff struggling to keep up with their responsibilities.The workers' complaints come months after Fox News Digital reported that Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett, a longtime Obama confidante, earned $740,000 in 2024, while the organization's total salaries and benefits climbed from $18.5 million in 2018 to $43.7 million in 2024.The foundation defended its executive compensation at the time, saying salaries reflected competitive market rates for comparable nonprofit organizations.OBAMA CENTER OPENS AFTER YEARS-LONG SAGA AS LOCALS WARN ‘MONSTROSITY’ COULD PRICE THEM OUTThe exterior of the Obama Presidential ...