Workers at Austin Pets Alive! Seek Unionization for Better Working Conditions and Animal Care

Workers at Austin Pets Alive!, a popular nonprofit animal shelter in Austin, Texas, are gearing up to vote on whether or not to unionize. The workers launched their union last month, seeking better wages, adequate staffing, improved safety at work, and a voice in the workplace.

The workers at Austin Pets Alive! are dedicated to caring for over 200 animals at a time, with new animals coming in daily. However, they are facing challenges due to the outdated facility they work in. The Town Lake Animal Center, where they operate, was built in the 1970s and is in need of significant upgrades.

Workers have expressed concerns about the safety hazards posed by the deteriorating facility, such as gates breaking and animals escaping. They also highlight the need for more staff to handle the workload, as they often find themselves working long hours to ensure the animals are properly cared for.

The workers, led by Ellis Avallone, a data analyst at APA!, are seeking to unionize with the support of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the National Veterinary Professionals Union. They believe that having a union will give them a seat at the table to advocate for better working conditions for both themselves and the animals they care for.

The unionization vote is set to take place on May 1 at both the Town Lake and Tarrytown locations of Austin Pets Alive!. If successful, it will be the largest nonprofit animal union in the country. The workers are hopeful that by improving their working conditions, they will also be improving the living conditions of the animals they care for.

The workers at Austin Pets Alive! are determined to make a positive change for themselves and the animals they serve, emphasizing that their jobs matter and their lives matter. They are united in their mission to create a better workplace for all.