LA Museum Workers Unite for Better Conditions and Representation

LOS ANGELES – In a significant move for cultural workers in Los Angeles, employees from two iconic museums have announced plans to unite under a single union. This initiative is the latest in a series of successful organization efforts across the city's cultural sector.

Staff members from the Natural History Museum and La Brea Tar Pits are joining forces to establish the Natural History Museum & Tar Pits Workers Union (NHMTPWU), under the umbrella of AFSCME District Council 36. The union aims to represent about 300 employees, including roles such as performers, engineers, educators, and guest relations associates.

In a recent communication to their colleagues, museum workers outlined the issues they aim to tackle through unionization. Key points of concern include competitive pay and benefits, job safety, transparency, and fostering an inclusive and empowering work environment.

Guest relations associate Timothy Castro emphasized the collective power of the union, stating, “A union … means strength in numbers for the securing of better wages, benefits and treatment for full-time and part-time employees.”

Juliann Vannordstrand, a program manager, expressed her support, saying, “I support our union because I believe that workers deserve a voice in the creation of a truly safe, equitable and inclusive workplace.”

The push for unionization is largely driven by discontent over stagnant wages. Despite claims from museum management about budget constraints, the Natural History Museum recently invested $75 million in a new wing and community hub, highlighting a perceived disparity in financial priorities.

Ren Kascle, another guest associate, voiced their backing for the union, asserting that museum staff deserve adequate support, remarking, “We all play such an important role in such an important space and deserve to feel properly supported.”

The employees have requested that museum management and trustees acknowledge the union voluntarily by March 31.

Several other Los Angeles County cultural entities, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, have previously granted voluntary recognition to similar staff unions. These unions, also organized with DC 36, are part of AFSCME Cultural Workers United, a leading movement representing 42,000 cultural workers nationwide, more than any other union.