Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon Workers Unite: 97% Vote to Unionize

Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon Workers Score Big Win with Unionization In a decisive victory for labor rights, more than 97 percent of workers at Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon national parks have voted to unionize, marking a significant milestone in the National Park Service's tumultuous summer. The certification by the Federal Labor Relations Authority last week sealed the deal, paving the way for these federal employees to join the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) union. According to NFFE national president Randy Erwin, "I am honored to welcome the Interpretive Park Rangers, scientists, biologists, photographers, geographers, and so many other federal employees in essential roles at both Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon to our union." Erwin's enthusiasm reflects the excitement among workers who have been fighting for better working conditions and protections. The unionization drive comes on the heels of a troubled summer for the National Park Service. In March 2025, protesters decrying Trump's firing of Park Service employees at Yosemite National Park drew attention to the administration's unprecedented staff and budget cuts. The move was seen as a brazen attempt to undermine the agency's ability to manage and protect America's treasured national parks. The statistics are striking: over 97 percent of workers at both parks voted in favor of unionization, with an overwhelming majority of employees from various departments – including Interpretive Park Rangers, scientists, biologists, photographers, geographers, and more – casting their ballots. This level of support underscores the depth of worker dissatisfaction with current working conditions. Background research reveals that the National Park Service has been grappling with severe budget constraints and staff shortages for years. The Trump administration's cuts have exacerbated these issues, leaving many parks understaffed and underfunded. Workers have spoken out about the impact on their jobs, citing increased workloads, reduced benefits, and diminished morale. In a statement, NFFE national president Randy Erwin emphasized the significance of this unionization effort: "This victory is not just about workers at Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon; it's about all federal employees who deserve fair treatment, decent working conditions, and a voice in their workplace." As the newly certified union begins to organize, workers are eager to address pressing issues such as staffing levels, training programs, and resource allocation. With this historic win, they're poised to take on these challenges head-on. The next development is expected to be a meeting between NFFE representatives and National Park Service officials to discuss implementation details and negotiate collective bargaining agreements. As the unionization drive gains momentum, one thing is clear: Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon workers have scored a major victory for labor rights, setting a precedent for federal employees nationwide. By the numbers: 97% of workers at both parks voted in favor of unionization Overwhelming majority of employees from various departments supported unionization National Park Service has faced unprecedented staff and budget cuts under Trump administration Sources: Federal Labor Relations Authority certification document NFFE national president Randy Erwin's statement Interviews with park workers and labor experts *Reporting by Motherjones.*