APAW in the News
Our union campaign and historic election win garnered the attention of media outlets.
Check out some of our press hits…
FOX7 Austin
Austin Pets Alive! employees in process of forming largest animal shelter union in nation
Broadcast
Better Pay & Benefits
Even though veterinary services are in higher demand than ever, vets and vet techs are not being fairly compensated for their work. With a union, you and your coworkers can negotiate for the pay and benefits you deserve.
Work-life Balance
Vet professionals are often at the mercy of their manager when it comes to scheduling, which generally means long and inconsistent hours. As union members, you will have a say in notice and scheduling to adequately plan for your work and family responsibilities.
Improved Workplace Standards
Workplace safety standards and protocols are more important than ever. By uniting, you can raise workplace standards.
Who We Are…
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. While growing stronger every day, the Organizing Committee works to invite more workers into the fold. With the support of the IAM and the National Veterinary Professionals Union (NVPU), APAW has embarked on a groundbreaking journey toward establishing the largest animal shelter union in the nation.
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Meet The Organizing Committee
Presenting (most of) our Organizing Committee! From data analyst to cat placement, neonatal to dog behavior and everyone in between- a little of every corner came together to form our OC! We believe in building a better APA! for the pets and for the people!
Stay tuned as we introduce and discuss what is driving our OC members to fight for themselves and their fellow employee’s seat’s at the bargaining table!
Tell Austin Pets Alive Leadership to Remain Neutral!
We are less than 200 signatures shy of our goal!! We hope you will lend us your paws in urging our leadership to respect our collective voices and allow us to join up and unionize without their interference!
Sign the PetitionFrom Our Community
We want to share the amazing #PAWlidarity we have received via our petition over the past week and ask that you all sign and share with your crew!
Union Members Live Better
The International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) is partnering with the National Veterinary Professionals Union to provide veterinary professionals the opportunity to sit down with their bosses and negotiate over the issues that matter to you. This will shift the balance of power and provide you with a real and meaninful say on the job.
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Know Your Organizing Rights
Under the National Labor Relations Act, you have the right to join with coworkers to address conditions at work by forming a union or taking othermconcerted action. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for exercising these rights. Head over to the Department of Labor to learn more about your federally protected rights.
