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News Reporting· Fox News Published Oct 8, 2026

Obama Foundation workers move to unionize over benefits, working conditions months after center opens

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Reported by Fox News. The paragraphs below are the opening of that article, reproduced word for word — not a summary, and not the whole piece.

Adamson Plumbing owner Mike Owen says his company suspended operations, laid off 25 union workers amid a nearly $4 million payment dispute tied to the Obama Presidential Center.

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 CENTER

An 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)

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