Dear colleagues, 

We are excited to announce that we have reached majority support for our intent to unionize as Academy Foundation Workers Union (AFWU) with AFSCME Council 36. Eligible staff members from the Film Archive, Library, DMS, Grants, Education and Science and Technology Council have come together in our desire to organize our union. By negotiating a fair contract with Academy leadership, we can strive for an equitable and sustainable workplace for all. 

Academy Foundation employees work each day to ensure that the motion picture industry and its rich histories are accessible to all. Our labor is vital to the Academy’s vision of preserving film history and supporting the future of filmmaking in order to serve a diverse community of film researchers, film lovers and filmmakers. 

Just as we share this common goal of public enrichment, we also share common ideas for improvement in our workplace. Forming our union allows us to stand with each other and work toward substantial change. Our vision for positive change includes, but is not limited to: 

• Improved wages and benefits 
• Improved opportunities for advancement 
• Improved working conditions 
• Increased transparency 
• Management accountability 
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and climate change mitigation 

We ask Academy leadership to honor our legal right to organize and voluntarily recognize Academy Foundation Workers Union as our union. We know that working together with leadership, we can ensure a fair and equitable contract, creating a better workplace that raises standards for cultural workers throughout Los Angeles. 

Whether you are a part-time or full-time staff member, have worked here decades or have recently joined Foundation staff, your work on behalf of the Academy is meaningful, and your voice deserves to be heard. Please join us in our efforts.