Employees of the University of Chicago Press have voted overwhelmingly to form a union, joining a growing number of cultural institutions in Chicago organizing for collective representation. Members of the UCP Workers Guild cast their ballots in an election held last month under the supervision of the National Labor Relations Board, with 89% of participating voters supporting unionization.

The guild, which was established in May, includes 134 members and is now the largest unit within the Chicago News Guild. Balloting took place June 9 and 10, with on-site voting conducted at the press’s campus office and mail-in options provided for those working remotely or at the Chicago Distribution Center. Some employees at the distribution center are already represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The University of Chicago Press, founded in 1890, is one of the nation’s largest and oldest university presses, employing more than 270 people. Workers cited concerns including fair wage compensation, protections related to the use of artificial intelligence, and improved working conditions. The union also pointed to the broader financial difficulties faced by the University of Chicago, which have led to tighter budgets and slower hiring at the press.

Following the certification of the election results by the NLRB, union members are set to elect leadership, establish internal structures, and prepare for collective bargaining for their first contract. Esteban Gil, a News Guild organizer, noted that management representatives attended the vote count and extended congratulations to the workers present.

In a statement, University of Chicago spokesperson Gerald McSwiggan said the university “greatly values the work of UChicago Press employees and their important contributions to the Press’ scholarly publishing mission.” He added that the university will engage in good-faith negotiations following certification of the union.

Meredith Nini, senior promotions manager at the press and a member of the UCP Workers Guild, expressed optimism about the vote, saying it reflected a shared commitment among workers to their mission and a desire for a sustainable and equitable workplace going forward. Chicago News Guild President Owen Schmidt described the outcome as an indication that employees are seeking meaningful change and a stronger voice in their workplace.

The unionization at the University of Chicago Press comes amid a larger trend in the publishing industry. This week, employees at Hachette Book Group, the third-largest trade publisher in the United States, voted to unionize under the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, signaling a wave of organizing efforts across the sector.