MONTEREY, Calif – We welcome workers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to the AFSCME family.
On their Instagram page, workers announced they won their union election this week.
“This has been an incredibly meaningful, cross-divisional effort that has made waves in the way our staff connect with each other — and with our mission,” they wrote. “As we move into the next phase of organizing, we’re excited to continue working together to shape a more equitable and connected workplace.”
Workers began their effort to form a union through AFSCME Council 57 back in January.
More than 300 workers would be part of Monterey Bay Aquarium Workers United. That includes those in animal care, guest experience, education, marketing and more.
Workers gained a stronger voice on the job by forming their union. They plan to use that voice to fight for fair pay, workplace flexibility, and better benefits and accessibility accommodations.
Pay was a big issue. Though considered one of the nation’s best, workers say Monterey Bay Aquarium doesn’t pay them enough to keep up with high cost of living in the region.
Workers at aquariums, museums, libraries, zoos and cultural institutions across the country are organizing with AFSCME Cultural Workers United. CWU represents 45,000 cultural workers — more than any other union.