Workers at Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific are forming a union that would represent approximately 130 employees including environmentalists, educators and guest services associates, union officials announced Wednesday.
The workers filed for union recognition through the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 36 as the Aquarium of the Pacific Workers United. AFSCME is the largest labor union for public sector employees in the United States.
Union officials said key factors driving the unionization efforts are the growing use of generative artificial intelligence in the aquarium’s operations, wages that do not keep up with the cost of living, and a lack of professional development opportunities.
“We work hard every day, often doing the work of multiple people while facing constant changes and high expectations,” said Krystal Gonzales, who works in environmental services at the facility. “We’re not asking for special treatment; We’re asking for fair workloads, support, respect, and a voice in the workplace. We’re coming together because our voices matter.”
Aquarium officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Aquarium of the Pacific opened in 1998, and is the largest aquarium in Southern California.