We won our union!
After demonstrating supermajority support through signed union cards, we officially won voluntary recognition of our union on April 9, 2025.
March 25, 2025
Dear co-workers,
We believe that the Natural History Museum (NHM) of Los Angeles County and the La Brea Tar Pits’ (LBTP) commitment to inclusivity, authenticity and intentionality starts with respecting and empowering staff. As staff, we provide valuable services to our Los Angeles community and work hard to keep our institutions running.
We believe that the power of decision making must be shared with all voices, including ours, across various departments and diverse roles within the institution. For this reason, we are uniting to form our union with AFSCME Cultural Workers United, Council 36.
In an effort to make our workplace more equitable, we aim to address:
- Better pay, benefits and compensation that reflect increasing job responsibilities and the rising cost of living
- Transparency, accountability and a voice when it comes to decisions that affect staff
- Healthy and safe workplace conditions to ensure the protection, support and resources for all employees
- Supportive organizational structure and communication that stabilizes employees’ workload, fosters collaboration, and advocates for fair representation
- Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility that creates an environment that fosters collaboration and strengthens our community
- Job security and career growth to create professional pathways for career development and advancement
- A workplace that values, empowers, and advocates for its employees
We urge NHM and LBTP to respect our legal right to form our union, free from intimidation or retaliation. Additionally, The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the La Brea Tar Pits have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and access by voluntarily recognizing our union, upon demonstration of majority support, and responding to us by March 31, 2025.
Many museums and nonprofits in Los Angeles county have voluntarily recognized their staff unions and NHMLAC leadership has an opportunity to follow their lead in demonstrating their commitment to us. We look forward to working together to make our museum a better place for all.
Join us by filling out a membership card today and follow us on Instagram @nhmtpworkersunion.org! If you have any questions, you can reach out to an organizer at nhmtpworkersunion@gmail.com.
Xavier Gray
"I support NHMWU because I support NHMLAC and its community of workers. When we stand together there is nothing we can’t face."
- Xavier Gray, Guest Relations Team Lead
Tyler Nicholas
“Uniting as a community of workers is the best way we can make our voices heard and truly make the museums welcoming places for everyone to visit."
- Tyler Nicholas, Lighting Engineer
Hana Pape
"I support our union because workers are stronger together."
- Hana Pape, Guest Relations Associate
Jonathan Williams
"As performers, being part of a union is a badge of honor and sign of professionalism. The work everyone does here is worthy of that."
- Jonathan Williams, Coordinator, Performing Arts and Puppet
Ren Kascle
"For myself and my coworkers, I want more protections, benefits, and to generally be more organized! I think we all play such an important role in such an important space and deserve to feel properly supported!"
Oscar Nava
"I support forming the NHMTPWU because it takes a team to make the magic of wonder and inspiration come to life at both the Natural History Museum and La Brea Tar Pits, and all of our staff members deserve a safe and sustainable workplace.
Raquel Cornejo
"I support forming a union at NHMLAC because I love my job and I care for all my co-workers. Forming a union will allow us to uplift each other's voices and have more decision making power in our roles!"
Miranda Robinson
"When it comes to workplace safety and compensation, we shouldn't have to hope and wait on our employers to "do the right thing".
Timothy Castro
"A union at NHMLAC means strength in numbers for the securing of better wages, benefits and treatment for full time AND part-time employees."
- Timothy Castro, Guest Relations Associate
Emely "Emmy" Barrientos
"With all the joy our colleagues at NHMLA brings, it is up to everyone in this space to demonstrate true community care and love for one another.
Juliann Vannordstrand
"I support our union because I believe that workers deserve a voice in the creation of a truly safe, equitable and inclusive work place."
- Juliann Vannordstrand, Program Manager, School and Teacher
Maya Morales
"I’m supporting this union because I want workers at NHMLA have a voice. I want folks to feel empowered to continue work in this field, not be discouraged from it, and to support my fellow workers with what they need."