Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden workers voted 37-13 in favor of unionization on Nov. 21.

This is the first group of botanical garden workers to be represented by the International Association of Machinists, or IAM. They will join the IAM Local 10 in Richmond, according to IAM’s website.

The unionized garden workers will soon elect their union representatives to participate in good-faith collective bargaining negotiations with management. This committee will seek to prioritize top issues determined democratically.

“I don’t want to speak on behalf of all 70 people that are in the unit,” said Eryn Boyle, a member of the horticulture department who has worked there about a year. “So we will put out a survey and have everyone comment on what their priorities are.”

The workers hope that their efforts will improve the experience at Lewis Ginter for management and guests as well.