The Issues We Face
Challenges facing temporary lifeguards and aquatic aides at West Hollywood Aquatic Center
We love working at the West Hollywood Aquatic Center. We take pride in keeping our community safe. But as temporary employees, we face challenges that make it hard to do our jobs well and build stable lives.
For more details, visit our Frequently Asked Questions
Protected Voice at Work
With a union, we have legal protection to speak up about workplace concerns without fear. Federal law protects our right to organize.
Clear Standards & Advancement
A union contract ensures we get the benefit information and clear advancement procedures California law requires (AB 1484).
Fair Wages & Legal Overtime
We ensure California overtime laws are followed (over 8 hours/day AND over 40 hours/week) plus negotiate fair wages that reflect our training and experience.
Dignity & Fair Treatment
A contract guarantees clear grievance procedures and consistent, professional treatment. Everyone follows the same rules.
Safe Working Conditions
We negotiate for proper safety protocols, quality equipment, and a voice in decisions that affect our health and safety on the job.
Real Job Security
Union contracts provide disability insurance, sick leave protections, and just cause standards. You can't be fired arbitrarily.
Equal Pay for Equal Work
Aquatic aides are asked to teach swim lessons at aide pay rates, while lifeguards teaching the same lessons receive lifeguard pay. A union contract ensures pay parity for the same work.
Consistent Hours & Clear Expectations
Aquatic aides face uncertainty about scheduling and workload, especially across seasons. We need clear expectations about hours and transparent scheduling practices.
How a Union Changes Things
A union gives us real tools to address these issues—not just promises, but enforceable rights.
Collective Voice
Instead of individual complaints that are easy to ignore, we negotiate as equals with management through our elected bargaining team.
Written Contract
Everything we negotiate—wages, benefits, working conditions, grievance procedures—becomes legally binding. No more verbal promises that disappear.
Grievance Process
If management violates the contract, we have a formal process to challenge it—with union representation and, if needed, arbitration.
Just Cause Protection
No more "separated for any legal reason at any time." Discipline requires documented cause and due process. You can't be fired arbitrarily.
Legal Backing
AFSCME provides experienced negotiators, lawyers, and resources. We're not alone when fighting for our rights.
Protected Organizing
California's Meyers-Milias-Brown Act makes it illegal to retaliate against us for organizing. We have the law on our side.
The difference? Power.
Right now, management makes all the decisions. With a union, we negotiate as equals and enforce our agreements through a binding contract.
Have Questions About Organizing?
Learn more about unions, your legal rights, the organizing process, and what a union contract can do for us.
Ready to Stand With Us?
These issues affect all of us. Together, we can win better conditions and respect on the job.
Join the Movement