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.
Jeff Flocken, president and CEO of the Aquarium of the Pacific, provided the following statement to City News Service:
“As an education and conservation organization, the Aquarium’s staff, animals and community are our top priority. Our staff are the heart of the Aquarium, and we are grateful for all they do to make this organization and our planet a better place for everyone. We are appreciative of the collaborative team culture of the Aquarium and as a nonprofit strive to support the wellbeing of our staff.
“We have received a request to recognize AFSCME as the representative of certain Aquarium employees. This group includes Guest Services, Education, and Environmental Services (formerly known as Housekeeping),” Flocken continued. “As we have communicated to our employees, they have the right to make this important decision, and we believe the best and fairest way for them to do that is through a secret ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board.”
The Aquarium of the Pacific opened in 1998, and is the largest aquarium in Southern California.