(AUSTIN, TEXAS) - Austin Pets Alive! (APA) Animal Shelter Employees have filed a Representation Petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) requesting recognition of their Union - Austin Pets Allied Workers (APAW). 

After collecting Union Card signatures from a majority of 200 APA Workers - with the support of both International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 776 and the National Veterinary Professionals Union, APAW is proud to take this first step towards creating the largest Animal Shelter Union in the country - a historic event for both animals and their advocates, Union Officials said.

Austin Pets Allied Workers (APAW) is the Worker-created and Worker-led Union of Austin Pets Alive!  Started in 2023, its Members seek to ensure their workplace and the animal welfare industry as a whole adopts more sustainable, safe and equitable practices.  The organization boasts a diverse membership, with representation from across varied departments and species.  All Members share in common the love and care they have for our animals - past, present, and future, which fuels their hope for a better future, the Union said.

In a statement issued by the Organizing Committee, APA Employees wrote: “APAW’s priorities are to ensure a just and sustainable workplace at APA, because we believe that APA can and should be a model for equity, stability and safety in the animal care field.  By giving Workers on the frontlines of animal care a real seat at the table, we believe we can create a better and more just APA for pets and people alike.”

APA Worker Ryan Martinez said: “I want to join with my Co-Workers to form a Union because Workers like me who are on the frontlines of animal care deserve to feel safe and supported in our mission-fulfilling work at APA.  I know that a strong union contract negotiated by affected Employees is the best way to make that happen, which will ultimately improve conditions for the animals in our care.” 

APAW has asked that APA management and the Board of Directors voluntarily recognize the Staff Union so that they can more quickly begin the process of collective bargaining.

Contract negotiations will cover issues such as workplace policies concerning the well-being and safety of both animals and Employees, wage increases, benefits and fair employment practices. 

The IAM, with support from the National Veterinary Professionals Union, recently organized Animal Shelter Workers in Chicago.

The IAM is among the largest Unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 Active and Retired Members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care and other industries.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Austin Pets Alive! Workers File to Become Nation’s Largest Animal Shelter Union - IAMAW (goiam.org)