There is a labor reckoning happening in the climbing industry. A recent mass layoff and slashing of their Yoga and Fitness Programs at Movement Chicago’s location catalyzed the power of the community to craft a petition for justice and accountability of Movement Climbing Gym leadership. Simultaneously, workers at Movement Climbing Gym Crystal City formed the first union in the climbing industry in 2021, but now face continued bad faith bargaining and efforts to sabotage the process from Movement leadership. The rot of capitalism is being exposed and workers and community members are uniting for better work conditions, living wages, and equitable treatment in an effort to cultivate a healthier and safe(r) climbing community overall.
