RELEASE: Los Angeles County Museum of Art Workers Latest to Announce Unionization Efforts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/29/25
Contact: Kathleen Cancio
(845) 271-9651
[email protected]
Los Angeles County Museum of Art Workers Latest to Announce Unionization Efforts
LOS ANGELES – Following a wave of successful organizing drives among cultural institutions in Los Angeles County, workers at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the largest art museum in the western United States, announced that they are forming a union, LACMA United, with AFSCME Cultural Workers United District Council 36. The new union would represent over 300 workers and include curators, educators, guest relations associates and more.
In a letter addressed to LACMA staff, its executive team and board of trustees, workers asserted that as the museum nears completion of the new David Geffen Galleries – a project estimated to cost more than $700 million – ensuring the stability of staff should be equally crucial to the future of the museum.
“Many employees are struggling with wages that have not kept up with the rising cost of living in the sixth most expensive city in the world,” the workers state in their letter. Workers also said that virtually all departments have absorbed expanded responsibilities and workloads due to high turnover, limited resources and vacated or frozen positions, often without additional compensation.
By forming LACMA United, workers aim to address these issues and advocate for fairer compensation, expanded benefits and increased transparency in institutional protocols and resources – changes that will improve the well-being of staff and enhance the services they provide for diverse communities.
“I’ve had the privilege of editing books and exhibition materials at LACMA for nearly 25 years,” said Sara Cody, who works as a senior publications editor. “But as departments have shrunk and workloads have grown increasingly unsustainable, it’s become more and more challenging to uphold the level of excellence these projects deserve. Forming our union will ensure that we all have the resources and respect to consistently produce our best work as the museum moves forward,” said Cody.
“Being pro-union means being pro-people!” said Charline Nacion, a mobile programs coordinator at LACMA. “To support cultural workers from within the institution means to support the communities we serve.”
Sierra Schiano, a teacher for mobile programs, shared similar aspirations for the staff union. “I love teaching kids about ancient art by holding actual ancient artifacts — that's a job I can only do at LACMA,” said Schiano. “But I would also love to have the support of a union to ensure that this job is part of a sustainable career.”
Workers have requested voluntary recognition of their union, LACMA United, upon demonstration of majority support from the museum’s executive team and board of trustees by November 5.
In the last few years, Los Angeles County cultural institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Foundation, and most recently the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and La Brea Tar Pits granted voluntary recognition to their staff unions, all of whom also organized with AFSCME District Council 36 and are part of AFSCME Cultural Workers United, the largest union for cultural workers in America. Workers at LACMA are hopeful the museum will respect workers’ voices and follow suit.
Quotes from LACMA United
“A better world is always, ALWAYS possible!” - Shea Territo, Mobile Programs Educator
“As artists we are advocating for the freedom to create and construct a union that is reflective of our needs. As we tend to seeds of creativity with the youth, so we must tend to our wellbeing as educators.” - Angel Ponce, Mobile Educator
“Cultural workers invest great care into our jobs, from stewarding LACMA's large collection to working with local communities. All we ask is that the museum care for our wellbeing and quality of life in return.” - Jayne Manuel, Program Administrator, Collections Management
“Art is not just a topic for study, but a powerful source of inspiration. In recent years, LACMA has presented many exhibitions that have moved me: Pressing Politics with political graphics from Germany and Mexico in the 1910s and 30s, Vincent Valdez portraying the eviction of predominantly Mexican American families from El Chavez Ravine in the 1950s, Judy Baca's panels for the extension of The Great Wall depicting the Chicano Movement, Watts Renaissance, and the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement of the 1960s and 70s, and most recently, the history of the Brockman Gallery (1967–90) and the Black Arts Movement in Act On It! With such a rich history of exhibiting artists depicting revolutions, social, and labor movements, recognizing LACMA United would be an extension of those values.” - Aurora van Zoelen Cortés, Curatorial Assistant, Contemporary Art
“United we bargain, divided we beg!” - Frances Lazare, Curatorial Assistant, Modern Art
“I support LACMA United as a way to improve the working conditions and well-being of the staff across the museum.” - Lauren Helliwell, Assistant Registrar, Exhibitions
“We love LACMA and we deserve better.” - Joe Leavenworth, Senior Art Preparator
“This institution just built a monument to leveling art hierarchies and promoting cross-cultural understanding. It’s only fair that we take action to flatten our capitalistic hierarchies and promote cross-departmental solidarity.” - Ryan Johnson, Gallery Educator
“A stronger staff for a stronger institution!” - Michael R. Price, Graphic Designer
“For many years, my coworkers and I have been asked to do more with less. What we accomplish together is a direct result of our dedication despite a lack of resources and proper support. Imagine what we could do with more!” - Alyce de Carteret, Assistant Curator, Art of the Ancient Americas
“I’m excited to work in an environment where everyone is compensated fairly and is reflective of their experience!” - Jacqueline Pina-Ascencio, Data Specialist
“I want to invite you to join me in creating a living Maintenance Art Work. This art work will take place in (5900 Wilshire Blvd). I am a maintenance artist. My work is called Maintenance Art Works. I use my 'artistic freedom' to call it 'maintenance' -- the work that you do, and the work that I do -- 'art.' I want people to know about and to see the kind of jobs that you do. Because this HUGE building needs your work. Your work keeps this building going. Without your work, the whole building would not work. In a way it is your support that keeps this building up just as much as the steel and the concrete and the glass. If you don't know who is keeping you up, you do not know what's flying. —Adapted from Mierle Laderman Ukeles's 1976 letter, I Make Maintenance Art One Hour Every Day” - Nadia Pacheco, Exhibition Designer
“Supporting the arts includes investing in the cultural workers who work in the galleries and behind the scenes to maintain, handle, and conserve LACMA's growing collection. Our staff is part of Los Angeles' artistic community and deserves a sustainable and fair work place. Supporting the arts in LA means supporting the rights of LACMA workers!” - Samantha Abbott, Registration Administrator, Incoming Loans
“I adore working with my team at LACMA, that's why I think it's so important that we unionize to make for a safe and happy work environment where all employees are able to have an open dialogue and voice our concerns.” - Ryan Baker, Visitor Services Associate