Community Letter of Support

Support Natural History Museum & Tar Pits Workers United! 

Dear Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County Management,  

As members of the community, we stand by your staff who are forming their union, Natural History Museum & Tar Pits Workers United (NHMTPWU) through AFSCME Council 36. The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County are special places that inspire responsibility for the natural world and cultivate the diversity of Los Angeles. We recognize that the incredible programs and services that benefit our community would not be possible without the dedicated and passionate staff who work hard to keep the museums running.  

Workers have a legal right to freely organize their union. We call on the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County's management to maintain a safe and respectful environment in which staff may speak and advocate for union without fear of retaliation. We ask that management remain neutral throughout the union organizing process and, upon demonstration of majority support, respect workers’ wishes by voluntarily recognizing their union by March 31, 2025. 

Nonprofit and cultural institutions in Los Angeles County such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and Academy Foundation of Motion Pictures voluntarily recognized their staff unions, and we urge you to follow suit and recognize the Natural History Museum & Tar Pits Workers Union.

By supporting Natural History Museums workers and their path toward union recognition, you will be demonstrating your stated commitment to building an inclusive, welcoming network and institution for Los Angeles. 

In solidarity, 

Sign our community letter to support Natural History Museum & Tar Pits Workers United and encourage museum administration to stay neutral and recognize our union.