Cristie Robles-Beilby and Taryn Cadena, aquarists at Monterey Bay Aquarium, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their unionization efforts to form Monterey Bay Aquarium Workers United, an AFSCME affiliate. They shed light on the challenges faced by cultural workers, including low wages, hazardous working conditions and the struggle to maintain passion while earning a living wage.
The aquarists highlighted the stark contrast between the high cost of living in Monterey and their current wages. Beilby, an Aquarist II with seven years of experience, earns about $32 per hour, far below the $55 to $85 hourly wage needed to rent a two-bedroom apartment in the area comfortably. They said the disparity has led to high turnover rates, with entire teams cycling through multiple times in recent years, resulting in a loss of institutional knowledge and increased workload for remaining staff.
Safety concerns are paramount for aquarium workers, who face dangerous animal handling, tank diving and exposure to pressurized environments. Despite these hazards, employees lack adequate compensation or protection. The union is pushing for hazard pay and improved safety measures, recognizing the specialized skills required for their roles. The workers also emphasized the need for better healthcare benefits, given the physical demands of the job and the potential for injury.
The unionization effort at Monterey Bay Aquarium is part of a broader movement among cultural institution workers seeking fair compensation and improved working conditions. Beilby and Cadena stressed that their passion for their work should not be exploited and that fair wages are crucial for retaining skilled staff and maintaining the high standards expected by visitors. They view their unionization effort as an opportunity to elevate standards across the aquarium industry and ensure that workers can afford to pursue their passion while making a living.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about the aquarium workers' fight for fair treatment and the broader implications for cultural institutions.
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