West Hollywood Aquatic workers stand together to form a union

LOS ANGELES – Aquatic workers with the City of West Hollywood are coming together to form a union with AFSCME District Council 36. The new union, which filed for recognition on February 20, 2026, would represent approximately 100 temporary part-time workers within the Aquatic Department.

This filing reflects strong majority of support from workers who are ready to have a voice on the job. Temporary aquatic workers play a vital role in keeping West Hollywood’s programs running — from swimming instruction and safety oversight to youth and community services.

A key factor driving the unionization efforts is a growing frustration over being treated as disposable due to their ‘temporary’ status and not having a path to permanent positions and better benefits. 

“Morale has been low since before I started working here. Our staff is made up of over 100 temporary-status employees who feel disposable due to the nature of our employment,” said Olivia Kuan, who works in the Aquatic Department. “Some of our colleagues have worked here for over 10 years. That kind of dedication would earn most workers a path to a part-time position with healthcare and pension benefits. Together, we can advocate for ourselves and build a healthier workplace.”

Lincoln Bohn, who also works in the Aquatic Department, supports forming a union because he believes that staff should be treated with decency and respect. “We decided to form this union after being told we were disposable by the people who hired us. We decided to form this union after policy changes led to a loss of a benefit without any say, overnight. We are sick of being collectively punished, and favoritism gone unaddressed,” said Bohn.

“We are proud of the leadership shown by the temporary part-time aquatic workers in West Hollywood,” said Yvette Elam, Organizing Director at AFSCME District Council 36. “Their decision to organize reflects a commitment not only to improving their own working conditions, but to strengthening the quality of public services for the entire community.”

The aquatic workers are asking for voluntary recognition and are awaiting a response from West Hollywood leadership. If City leadership voluntarily recognizes their union, they will begin contract negotiations. If they do not receive voluntary recognition, the process will move forward through the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB).