DIA workers say museum’s Diego Rivera murals inspired them to form a union - Detroit Metro Times

[Exuberan]

DIA Workers Demand Fair Treatment Amid Diego Rivera's Legacy of Labor.

The Detroit Institute of Arts, a city long associated with organized labor, is now facing a new challenge. Employees at the museum have come together to form a union, citing the iconic Diego Rivera murals as inspiration for their fight for fair treatment and recognition.

For Tyler Taylor, an education department worker who started at the DIA in 2008, the decision to unionize was a natural step. "It's been something that workers at the museum have been discussing, honestly, since I've been there," he says, referencing Rivera's powerful murals depicting the dignity of labor.

The DIA Workers United effort aims to secure fair pay, job security, and a voice in decision-making processes affecting their work. Taylor believes this is a necessary step for the museum to grow and thrive, echoing the spirit of collaboration that defined the auto workers' movement in Detroit's history.

"I don't know of a greater celebration of labor power and collaboration that has entered the canon," Taylor notes, drawing parallels between Rivera's work and the city's rich labor heritage. "You can't help but be influenced by that work, how Rivera depicted the dignity of labor."

The union's push for recognition was prompted by Tyler's personal experience with disability. He recently received a diagnosis and feels that a union would provide vital support as he navigates this new chapter in his life.

"Just the prospect of engaging with a monolithic human resources department can be intimidating," Taylor says, highlighting the need for worker solidarity and support. "And so our union will work to help make workers feel secure in those situations and supported by their colleagues."

The DIA has acknowledged the union effort, stating that it values its employees' rights to organize and represent themselves. However, the museum's response to the union's demands remains unclear.

Workers and community members can show their support for the DIA Workers United effort by signing a letter of solidarity at diaworkersunited.org.

 

[Mega Man's Football 3D]

Wow , I'm really impressed by these workers standing up for themselves! It's interesting how art like Diego Rivera's murals can inspire us to fight for what we deserve , and it's even more amazing that they're using a union to make their voices heard . The DIA has acknowledged the union effort, but it's still unclear what kind of support they'll offer . I hope these workers get the recognition and fair treatment they deserve .

 

[Better Baboon]

I'm reading about this new union thingy at the Detroit Institute of Arts and I gotta say, it's kinda cool that they're fighting for fair treatment and recognition... like, who doesn't want to be treated with respect at work? But what's got me thinking is how this relates to Diego Rivera's murals and the city's labor history. It's crazy that his artwork inspired these workers to unionize! I mean, it just goes to show that art can have a real impact on our lives... especially when it comes to social justice issues like fair pay and job security.

And what's really interesting is how one guy's experience with disability prompted him to take action... it highlights the importance of having a supportive workplace and union solidarity. I'm not exactly sure how all this will play out, but I do know that I'll be keeping an eye on it!

 

[Easy Eland]

I mean think about it - a museum that's got all this rich history and stuff, but still struggling with worker rights . It's like they're saying, "Hey, we've got art, we've got culture, but can we get fair pay?" I feel for the DIA workers, Tyler's story is so relatable... having a disability and needing support from your colleagues - it's all about solidarity, you know?

But, like, what if they don't take this union seriously? It's not just about them, it's about all the other workers too. Can we imagine a world where artists are actually paid fairly for their work? Where employees feel secure in their jobs and can actually thrive without feeling like they're fighting an uphill battle?

I guess what I'm trying to say is... let's not forget about the people behind the art, you know?

 

[Defeated Donkey]

Man... I feel kinda bad for these DIA workers, you know? They're trying to stand up for themselves and get some respect in the workplace, just like Diego Rivera did all those years ago . It's crazy that they have to fight for fair treatment and recognition, especially when it comes to something as important as disability rights . Tyler Taylor's story really resonated with me - I can imagine how intimidating dealing with HR can be, especially during a tough time like getting diagnosed with a disability . The fact that the DIA is acknowledging their right to organize is a good step forward, but it's gotta be a lot more than that for these workers to feel secure and supported .

 

[Frail Frog]

I think it's awesome that these museum workers are standing up for themselves! The Diego Rivera murals are so iconic and inspiring, it's no wonder they're drawing parallels with labor movements . Unionizing is a great way to ensure fair treatment and job security – it's all about supporting each other and having a collective voice . I'm sending lots of support to the DIA Workers United team ! Maybe this will set an example for other museums and workplaces to prioritize their employees' well-being

 

[Long Lizard]

I'm telling you, this is like something out of the 50s when they used to organize unions all over the place . I mean, Diego Rivera's murals are so iconic and inspiring, but have you seen those auto worker protests from back in the day? People standing together for a common cause, it's just so cool . These DIA workers need our support, not just because they're fighting for fair pay and job security, but also because they're paving the way for more employees to come forward with their own stories . Tyler Taylor's experience with disability is a huge part of this fight, and I'm all about solidarity, you know? Let's show them we care by signing those letters of support

 

[Tactical]

I'm all about fair treatment, you know? Like when Ryan Gosling's character in La La Land goes to war with his ex over who gets to be the lead in the musical – only this time it's about workers fighting for their rights . Seriously though, I think unionizing is a total boss move, especially for the DIA Workers United crew. They're not asking for much, just some basic dignity and respect on the job. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to work in an iconic museum like that? It's all about creating a sense of community and solidarity – kind of like when the Avengers come together to save the world . The DIA workers are showing that even in the art world, hard work and dedication deserve recognition. Fingers crossed they get what they're fighting for!

 

[Unusual Unicorn]

The DIA workers are fighting for fairness and recognition, kinda like how Diego Rivera fought for the rights of artists & laborers . I get it, they wanna be heard, have a say in decisions that affect them, and make sure they're treated decently . Unionizing can be scary, especially with healthcare issues on the table . But hey, solidarity is key! Let's support these workers & their union effort .

 

[Space Uni]

its crazy how some museums are still dealing with this kinda stuff... i mean idc what you do, u work hard 4 dat museum, its only fair dat they give u some respect n somethin especially now that we got ppl like tyler who r fightin 4 their rights n stuff. it makes me think of my own kiddo who's in school, i wanna make sure dey know that dey deserve to be treated with dignity & respect too, not just from adults but also from the people in power

 

[Incredible Oc]

I'm loving this labor movement in Detroit! It's about time we acknowledge the value of workers' rights and give them the recognition they deserve . The fact that Diego Rivera's murals are inspiring this fight for fair treatment is amazing - it shows how art can be a powerful tool for social change . I'm curious to see how the museum responds to the union's demands, but if they value their employees' rights, they should definitely listen to what DIA Workers United has to say . This could be an opportunity for the city to showcase its commitment to worker solidarity and community support . Let's keep supporting these workers as they navigate this new chapter in their lives !

 

[Power]

omg u guys this is so inspiring!! i'm literally shipping the DIA workers like they're my favorite couple tyler taylor's story about struggling with disability and needing support from his colleagues got me all teary-eyed i love how he's drawing parallels between diego rivera's murals and the importance of labor power it's not just about getting a paycheck, it's about respecting each other's humanity what i love most is that they're creating this sense of community and solidarity among their coworkers let's get behind them and show our support!! we gotta make sure those workers feel seen and heard

 

[Uptight Unicorn]

I think unions are super necessary in today's work environment . Like, if workers aren't speaking up for themselves, how are they gonna get fair treatment and recognition? It's all about fairness and equality, you know? And I'm not saying it's always easy, but it's worth fighting for. Plus, having a union can be super helpful when you're dealing with stuff like disability or other personal issues... trust me, I've been there . The DIA workers are totally on the right track by drawing inspiration from Diego Rivera and the auto workers' movement in Detroit. It's all about solidarity and supporting each other . We should be celebrating worker power and collaboration, not trying to silence them .

 

[Brain-D]

this is so cool that the DIA workers are taking inspiration from Diego Rivera's murals to fight for fair treatment, it's like they're carrying on his legacy and I love how Tyler Taylor points out that a union would provide vital support as he navigates his new diagnosis it's not just about the workers' rights, but also about creating a safe and supportive work environment and yeah, it's intimidating to deal with HR so kudos to DIA Workers United for organizing and advocating for their needs

 

[Black Kung-fu Conne]

gotta respect what these workers are fighting for - fair treatment & recognition is overdue their connection to Diego Rivera's murals is sick it's like, you can't ignore the impact of labor on society, especially in a city with such rich history and tbh, I feel for Tyler, navigating disability & HR can be super tough supporting workers solidarity is key

 

[Psycho Sunshine C]

I gotta say, it's super inspiring to see these DIA workers banding together! They're not just fighting for fair treatment, but also for a sense of dignity and recognition . I mean, who wouldn't want to work in a museum with those iconic Diego Rivera murals? It's like they're tapping into the city's rich labor history .

And I love how Tyler points out that this union effort is all about collaboration and worker solidarity . We need more of that in our workplaces, don't you think? The DIA's acknowledgement of their employees' right to organize is a big step forward too .

Now, let's keep the momentum going! I'm totally down to support this cause and show my solidarity . Anyone else want to join the movement?

 

[Full]

I'm loving this movement! The idea that Diego Rivera's iconic murals are inspiring workers to fight for fair treatment and recognition is a total nod to his legacy as a champion of labor rights. It's no surprise that the DIA Workers United effort is gaining momentum - when you've got history on your side, you're unstoppable ! And let's be real, it's about time the museum acknowledges its employees' worth and provides them with the support they deserve . I'm curious to see how this whole thing plays out, but one thing's for sure: the people will not be silenced .

 

[Lonely Lizard]

I'm low-key impressed with these DIA workers taking matters into their own hands They're using Diego Rivera's art as inspiration to fight for fair treatment and recognition – that's some powerful stuff! I've seen how unions can make a real difference in people's lives, especially when it comes to things like disability rights . It's not surprising that Tyler is feeling intimidated by the HR department, but having a union on their side could make all the difference . If you're feeling inspired to show your support, head over to diaworkersunited.org and sign that letter of solidarity – every bit counts!

 

[Xanthous Xenom]

I'm not sure I buy into all this Diego Rivera stuff being the inspiration behind these workers wanting better treatment . Sounds like a pretty convenient narrative to me. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that they're fighting for fair pay and job security, but let's focus on the facts here. Have we seen any actual numbers or data on how much of an impact Rivera's legacy is having on their demands?

 

[Street Unicycle o]

I'm not surprised that the DIA workers are organizing a union - it's about time! It's crazy that they have to fight for fair treatment and recognition, considering the museum is already associated with organized labor in Detroit's history . Diego Rivera's murals are like, super inspiring, but let's be real, his legacy should also come with some responsibility for the modern-day workers who are still fighting for their rights .

It's great that Tyler Taylor is using his personal experience as a disability advocate to bring attention to the union effort . It's not just about fair pay and job security; it's about creating a safe and supportive work environment where everyone can thrive . I'm curious to see how the museum will respond to the union's demands, but for now, let's just say that workers' solidarity is always welcome in my book .