Monterey Bay Aquarium Workers Launch Unionization Campaign

Monterey Bay Aquarium Workers Initiate Unionization Effort

In a significant move toward workplace organization, employees at Monterey Bay Aquarium in California have embarked on a mission to unionize. They are looking to join forces with AFSCME Council 57.

The newly formed group, Monterey Bay Aquarium Workers United (MBAWU), seeks to represent over 300 staff members, including those in animal care, guest services, educational roles, marketing, and other departments.

Key objectives for the union include advocating for equitable pay, flexible working conditions, comprehensive employee benefits, and improved accessibility measures. MBAWU emphasizes that such reforms would enhance the aquarium's ability to serve the community and promote ocean conservation by fostering a respectful and equitable work environment.

Cristie Beilby, an aquarist involved in the union's organizing committee, expressed her concerns, stating, “The aquarium is a wonderful place to work with a strong mission, but we have seen many of our colleagues leave due to wages not keeping up with the local cost of living.” She envisions a future where visitors consistently see familiar faces, as retaining employees would lead to a more stable and secure workplace.

Mika Okimura, a senior education specialist at the aquarium, shared her optimism about the unionization effort, saying, "I'm grateful for our working community and the hope we all feel for our union. We want to be part of building an even more supportive environment for workers.”

This initiative by MBAWU is part of a broader trend where aquariums, museums, and cultural institutions nationwide have successfully unionized under the umbrella of AFSCME Cultural Workers United (CWU).

Further details on the unionization campaign can be found on the MBAWU website.