Monterey Bay Aquarium Workers United

As a collective of proud employees across departments at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are excited to announce our intention to form our union with AFSCME Council 57 and Cultural Workers United.

We are the teams that care for our animals, create a welcoming community for all who engage with us, tell the Aquarium's stories, all with the goal of inspiring conservation of the ocean. Just as the iconic sea otters are a vital part of a healthy and resilient ocean, we believe our employees, guests, and animals are a vital part of a healthy and resilient Aquarium. Inspired by our 40th anniversary milestone, we have united our voices to share this exciting movement.

There is a photo of a woman in front of an aquarium display within a green fish-decorated frame. The woman has her arms outstretched to touch either side of the circular window sill she is seated upon, and is looking to the right. Below her image is the following quote: I support a union because I love working for the Aquarium and believe that a world class organization should set the standard for how employees are treated. The quote is attributed to Ali Hough, she her.

There is a photo of a man wearing glasses in a sunny restaurant within an orange fish-decorated frame. The man is wearing a red shirt, smiling, and facing the camera with his arms rested on the table in front of him. Below his image is the following quote: I support our union because I want the Aquarium to foster an environment where all our staff can thrive. The quote is attributed to Evan Firl, he him.

There is a photo of a person at the ocean within a blue fish-decorated frame. She is standing on a rock and below her is the following text: I support our union because it will give us the opportunity to be involved in all decisions, enact thoughtful change, secure protection, and guarantee the highest standards of care for our animals and each other. In order to ensure our animals, staff, and guests can thrive, we need to have a voice and be heard. The quote is attributed to Sabrina Parsinia, she her.

There is a close-up photo of a woman wearing glasses in front of an obscured sign outdoors within a red fish-decorated frame. She is wearing a taupe turtleneck and a pride pin over her Monterey Bay Aquarium name badge. Below her image is the following quote: I support a union because I'm proud to work at a world class institution and I believe in supporting our colleagues and communities by paying living wages. The quote is attributed to Mika Okimura, she her 彼ら.

There is a photo of a woman and a child facing away. Below their image is the following quote: I am honored to work alongside passionate and dedicated people here at the Aquarium. I support our union between our departments, as management already is. Just as we care for and support our animals, guests, and students every day, we are committed to supporting each other. We are the ones who will make this an equitable organization that centers its people. The quote is attributed to Katie Barthelow, she her.

There is a photo of a woman and a dog at the beach within a blue fish-decorated frame. The woman is lying on a beach blanket and holding the tan chihuahua while smiling at the camera. Below her image is the following quote: I support a union because it makes sense for employees to have a seat at the decision-making table, and I know our voices are stronger together. The quote is attributed to Sam Parzuchowski, she her.

There are two photos of the same woman at different ages. Below that is the following quote: I've always loved visiting the Aquarium as a kid, and I'm proud to work here. I support a union to ensure that future generations of shark-loving kids, who come to experience this incredible, world-renowned institution, can see that the front-line employees are treated with the same respect and care as the sharks and executives. The quote is attributed to Drea Leal, she her.

There is a photo of a woman smiling within a blue fish-decorated frame. She is wearing blue winter clothes and standing outside in the snow. Below her image is the following quote: I support a union because i believe in building a community where all employees have a voice at the decision-making table. The quote is attributed to Ellen Umeda, she her.

There is a photo of a person at the beach within a green fish-decorated frame. She is holding her shoes in her right hand and bending down to pick something up from the waves with her left. Below her image is the following quote: I support our union because it gives the Aquarium's diverse workforce an opportunity to have an active voice in decisions that affect their ability to sustain the Aquarium and its conservation mission. The quote is attributed to Melissa Chiang, she they.

There is a photo of a four smiling people within a red fish-decorated frame. From left to right there is a man holding a little girl, an older girl, and a woman. They are standing outside in the sun, and below them is the following quote: I support a union because it will provide my family the benefits and protections that should come with working at a world-leading institution, securing our well-being and future stability. The quote is attributed to Wyatt Patry, he him.

Woman smiling in front of a garden with quote: I support our union because I want to work collaboratively to create a workplace that is equitable, provides livable wages, and builds community! Cristie Robles-Beilbly she/her

Click here to sign your union card!

As an employee of the Aquarium, signing your card signals your support of our union. Management will not see who has signed a card. This is an actionable way you can support today!