Experimental Station Union

#RecognitionNow
Social Media Toolkit and Email Zap Script

We, the workers at Experimental Station, formed a union! The Experimental Station Union is fighting for a safe and transparent workplace where staff are empowered to address systemic issues of white supremacy and sexism, in order to build a more equitable workplace with clear accountability. At least ten workers—over half of the organization’s staff—have left or been laid off since 2020; Blackstone Bicycle Works currently has one employee and no mechanics since staff were laid off in January. 

Experimental Station Union wants to begin addressing these grievances, as well as a number of others around sexual harassment, anti-Blackness, mismanagement, and retaliation, in an effort to heal and collaboratively build with its communities. Our working conditions directly impact the extent to which Experimental Station can achieve its mission of building independent cultural infrastructure on the South Side of Chicago—a mission we believe in wholeheartedly and dedicate our labor to every day! 

We’re demanding immediate, voluntary recognition from the Experimental Station Board of Directors. For over a month, our Board has refused to even meet with our union, despite a majority of support from workers past and present, tenants, elected officials, and hundreds of community members. 

This toolkit lays out ways you can help us win recognition and uplift our struggle!

Share this toolkit at: esunion.org/toolkit

Toolkit image for sharing: bit.ly/esunionzap

Email Zap

Take action now to put pressure on Experimental Station’s Executive Director, Connie Spreen, our Board President, Marty Friedman, and the rest of the Board. Let them know that enough is enough! No more union busting; it’s time to recognize the union and begin building accountability!

Edit the email template to reflect your concerns and support!

Please note that by signing up for e-mail updates, you will only be getting them from the Experimental Station Union.

Fund for fired Blackstone Mechanics

 

Just after Christmas, Experimental Station leadership decided to close Blackstone Bicycle Works indefinitely, with only a week’s notice. In January 2021, the three remaining staff mechanics were laid off. 

Since Josh, Kevin, and Nana were laid off, those who have applied have been denied unemployment. We are asking our communities for monetary support to cover their lost wages. All funds raised will be split between the three mechanics who were laid off!

Testimonial / Petition / Letter of Support

 

Have you been a part of the Experimental Station community as a neighbor, staff person, participant, volunteer, customer, community partner, donor, or friendly face? Share a public testimony of support for our union to show to the board the strength of this community! Send testimonials here: bit.ly/EStestimony. You see what other supporters have written at: esunion.org/testimonials

Even if you haven’t been personally involved with Experimental Station or are new to the community, your support matters and sticking up for workers in struggle is always crucial. Show that support by signing our petition here: esunion.org/petition

Do you have a relationship to a community organization, union, partner, congregation, politician, business, book club, sports team, or any other community who would like to support our campaign? Email us at staff@esunion.org to talk about how to endorse, send a letter of support and other ways you can help!

Social Media Kit

Below, find guides for sharing content on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. There are sample posts you can use at the end of the kit, as well as drafts and templates for sharing on your stories.

Use these hashtags: #ESunion #RecognitionNow 

Follow these accounts: @expstationunion on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook 

Share the #RecognitionNow image and toolkit (esunion.org/toolkit)

Twitter: 

  • Share the sample posts below, this toolkit, or come up with a post of your own!

  • Retweet or quote tweet an Experimental Station Union (@expstationunion) post

  • Tag @expstationunion and use #RecognitionNow

Facebook:

Instagram:

Sample Posts:

  • I support the @expstationunion! Workers deserve a seat at the table where they can fight for a more equitable, accountable workplace. Join me and sign their petition esunion.org/petition #ESunion #RecognitionNow

  • Support fired @blackstonebikes mechanics that @expstation leadership laid off. They haven’t been able to collect unemployment for months! gofund.me/4d4798a8

  • Do you know Connie Spreen or any of the Experimental Station board members? Reach out and ask them why they are union busting! (link to image with list of board members)

  • The mission and work of the @expstation is so important. That’s why I support the @expstationunion! It’s these workers who make the Experimental Station and its programs so amazing. With union recognition, they’ll only be better able to continue that work. #ESunion #RecognitionNow

  • Tell the board of directors at Experimental Station that enough is enough! It’s time to recognize the @expstationunion and quit their union busting! Send a letter of support here: esunion.org/#write

  • Union busting is disgusting! That’s why I support the @expstationunion and call on the board of @expstation to give them immediate recognition. #ESunion #RecognitionNow

  • I support the @expstationunion, and I’m not alone. So many former employees, neighbors, tenants, volunteers, customers, and other community partners have come out to demand #RecognitionNow! Show your support by signing the petition: esunion.org/petition

  • I support the @expstationunion, and I’m not alone. So many former employees, neighbors, tenants, volunteers, customers, and other community partners have come out to demand #RecognitionNow! Show your support and make a public testimony like me: bit.ly/EStestimony

  • When workers have power in their workplace, they can help keep institutions accountable to their commitments to anti-racism, equity, and justice. That’s why I support the @expstationunion and demand the board of @expstation immediately recognize them! #ESunion #RecognitionNow

  • When leadership treats staff as disposable, they're also treating our communities that way. People visit @blackstonebikes unaware it's closed indefinitely due to layoffs. The @expstationunion deserves immediate recognition to fight against these unjust conditions #RecognitionNow

  • Union busting is reprehensible behavior that doesn’t reflect the values or mission of @expstation. It would be a profound disappointment to see the board line up on the wrong side of history in this fight.  #RecognitionNow for the @expstationunion

  • @expstation’s board says it's dedicated to incorporating social-justice into all its programming. Well, its workers deserve justice too! That’s why I support the @expstationunion’s demand for #RecognitionNow and why I’m signing their petition: esunion.org/petition

  • Rather than listen to current staff, past staff, tenants, community members, organizations, friends, neighbors, and donors, the @expstation board has listened to a union busting lawyer. The serious issues @expstationunion has raised cannot be waited out. #RecognitionNow

Sample Instagram Stories:

Find a downloadable version of stories here. 

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This toolkit was made with support from CDSA Labor Branch.