Workers at Los Angeles County’s Natural History Museum and Lovera Tar Pitt announced their efforts to unify unions on Tuesday, citing what they call the need for better wages, safer working conditions and increased diversity.
According to the Council of Employees 36 of the United States Federation, County and City 36, the Natural History Museum Museum & Tar Pit Worker Union represents around 300 workers and includes performers, engineers, educators, guest relations associates and more.
In a letter distributed among staff, workers listed many issues they said they would like to address through the union, such as better wages, benefits, and compensation. Transparency; safe working conditions; inclusion, diversity, accessibility. And the desire to have a workplace that values, empowers, and advocates for its employees.
“Being united as a community of workers is the best way to truly turn a museum into a museum where we can hear our voices and welcome places that everyone should visit,” said Tyler Nicholas, who works at NHM’s Community Science Program, in a statement.
Amy Hood, communications director at the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles County, said in a statement that the foundation recognizes its right to organise employees.
“The LA County Natural History Museum Foundation recognizes and acknowledges the recent decisions made by some employees to form the union,” she said.
The union says a key driver of efforts is growing frustration with “stilted wages” that can’t keep up with the cost of living in Los Angeles. According to AFSCME, management claims they cannot afford to pay employees better wages, benefits and compensation.
In a letter notifying the Council of Councillors of the Plan to form a Union with the Museum Management Committee, museum workers urged the NHM and LBTP to grant voluntary recognition by March 31.
Many non-profit and cultural institutions in Los Angeles County, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Academy Museum of Film Museum, and the Motion Pictures Academy Foundation, all organized at AFSCME Council 36 and give voluntary recognition to staff unions who are also part of the AFSCME cultural worker.
Source link
