AUSTIN, Texas — Employees at Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) have started the process of becoming the largest animal shelter union in the U.S.
On Thursday, the animal shelter employees filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board requesting their union, Austin Pets Allied Workers, be recognized.
APA! employees said they collected signatures from a majority of approximately 200 of their workers on union cards to take the historic first step.
"I look forward to this new chapter where my coworkers and I ... Can have a real seat at the table and a more democratic workplace," APA! worker Ellis Avallone said in a statement. "I hope that APA management and the Board of Directors respond positively to our request for voluntary recognition so that we can move swiftly and directly to the bargaining table."
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The union expects contract negotiations to cover issues like workplace policies that revolve around the well-being and safety of both animals and employees, wage increases, benefits and fair employment practices.
Austin Councilmember Zo Qadri applauded the move by workers "for coming together to not just advocate for animals, but for their fellow workers as well."
On Thursday afternoon, APA! released the following statement in response to the workers' petition:
"Austin Pets Alive! is aware that some of our employees have filed a petition for an election with the National Labor Relations Board. We respect our employees’ rights under the law, but otherwise, we do not comment on ongoing employment matters."