On March 25, 2025, employees at Los Angeles County’s Natural History Museum (NHM) and La Brea Tar Pits announced their efforts to unionize, citing the need for better wages, safer working conditions, and increased diversity. The proposed Natural History Museum & Tar Pits Workers Union would represent nearly 300 staff members, including performers, engineers, educators, and guest relations associates. (nhm.org)
In a letter circulated among staff, workers outlined several issues they hope to address through the union, including:
- Better pay, benefits, and compensation
- Transparency
- Safe working conditions
- Inclusion, diversity, and accessibility
- A desire for a workplace that values, empowers, and advocates for its employees
Tyler Nicholas, who works at NHM’s community science program, stated, "Uniting as a community of workers is the best way we can make our voices heard and truly make the museums welcoming places for everyone to visit."
Amy Hood, director of communications for the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, acknowledged the employees’ right to organize, stating, "The L.A. County Museum of Natural History Foundation is aware of and acknowledges the recent decision by some employees to form a union. The Foundation communicated with the union, the Natural History Museum & Tar Pits Workers Union, today to confirm receipt of their request and affirm that the Foundation recognizes employees have the right to organize consistent with the National Labor Relations Act."
A key factor driving the unionization effort is frustration over stagnant wages that fail to keep up with Los Angeles’ rising cost of living. Despite management’s claims that the museums cannot afford better pay and benefits, the NHM recently spent $75 million to open a new wing and community hub last fall. (nhm.org)
In their letter to museum management and the board of trustees, workers urged NHM and La Brea Tar Pits to grant voluntary recognition by March 31. Many nonprofit and cultural institutions in Los Angeles County, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, have granted voluntary recognition to their staff unions, all of which also organized with AFSCME Council 36 and are part of AFSCME Cultural Workers United. (nhm.org)
The unionization efforts at NHM and La Brea Tar Pits reflect a broader movement within cultural institutions to address employee concerns and improve working conditions. As these efforts progress, they may serve as a model for other institutions seeking to balance financial priorities with the well-being and fair treatment of their staff.
What are the main goals of the Natural History Museum & Tar Pits Workers Union?
Table of Contents
- What are the main goals of the Natural History Museum & Tar Pits Workers Union?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the Natural History Museum & Tar Pits Workers Union?
- Who are the members of the proposed union?
- What issues are the workers seeking to address through unionization?
- What prompted the unionization effort at NHM and La Brea Tar Pits?
- What is the timeline for the unionization process?
- How does this unionization effort relate to broader trends in the museum sector?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Natural History Museum & Tar Pits Workers Union?
The Natural History Museum & Tar Pits Workers union is a proposed collective bargaining unit representing nearly 300 staff members at Los Angeles County’s Natural History Museum (NHM) and La Brea Tar Pits. The union aims too address concerns such as better wages, safer working conditions, and increased diversity within the institutions.
Who are the members of the proposed union?
The proposed union would include a diverse group of employees, including performers, engineers, educators, and guest relations associates, all working across various departments at NHM and La Brea Tar Pits.
What issues are the workers seeking to address through unionization?
Workers have outlined several key issues they hope to address through the union,including:
- Better pay,benefits,and compensation
- transparency in decision-making and financial matters
- Safe working conditions
- Inclusion,diversity,and accessibility
- A workplace that values,empowers,and advocates for its employees
What prompted the unionization effort at NHM and La Brea Tar Pits?
The unionization effort was driven by frustration over stagnant wages that have not kept pace with Los Angeles’ rising cost of living.Despite management’s claims of financial constraints, the NHM recently invested $75 million in opening a new wing and community hub, highlighting the institution’s financial capacity to support its staff.
What is the timeline for the unionization process?
In their letter to museum management and the board of trustees, workers urged NHM and La Brea Tar Pits to grant voluntary recognition by March 31, 2025. This timeline aligns with the broader movement of museum workers seeking better pay and working conditions across the country.
How does this unionization effort relate to broader trends in the museum sector?
The unionization efforts at NHM and La brea Tar Pits reflect a growing movement within cultural institutions to address employee concerns and improve working conditions. Similar efforts have been observed at other museums, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, which have granted voluntary recognition to their staff unions. This trend indicates a broader shift towards recognizing and addressing the needs of museum workers nationwide.
