Barnes & Noble employees safe contracts that embody main security wins for retail employees, trade setting wages and healthcare.
Photograph courtesy of RWDSU.
In a historic second for labor rights within the retail sector, employees at three Barnes & Noble shops in New York Metropolis have secured the corporate’s first union contracts nationwide.
This achievement comes on the heels of a strong organizing effort led by the Retail, Wholesale and Division Retailer Union (RWDSU), which now represents almost 40% of Barnes & Noble places within the metropolis.
Over 200 staff from the Union Sq. flagship retailer, in addition to shops in Park Slope and West 82nd Avenue, ratified contracts that promise vital developments in office security, wage will increase, and healthcare protection.
Based on Stuart Appelbaum, president of the RWDSU, employees at Barnes & Noble must be extremely pleased with what they’ve completed collectively in these historic first union contracts.
“United in their fight for increased safety in their stores, it was their voices among others across our union that won increased protections for everyone in the industry through the Retail Worker Safety Act,” Appelbaum mentioned in an announcement. “Today, we can finally say those safety protections are codified in their union contracts, which also include industry-standard setting wage increases, union healthcare, and more.”
Security was a focus all through the bargaining course of, as employees at Barnes & Noble sought safety from office dangers, together with harassment and violence.Photograph courtesy of RWDSU.
The contracts mirror current statewide laws aimed toward enhancing retail employee security, however they go a step additional, establishing a brand new commonplace for the whole trade.
The contracts embody notable provisions like a big wage enhance: earlier than the contract even begins, the hourly minimal beginning wage will rise by $4. The final wage enhance can even be set at $1 per hour yearly over the three-year contract interval, bringing the minimal wage for brand new hires to between $23 and $25 per hour, relying on their classification.
Along with wages, employees can have entry to RWDSU healthcare and obtain important security gear reminiscent of again braces and anti-slip mats for cafe areas. The agreements additionally embody provisions for security coaching, a security committee, and new measures to make sure employees can step away from harmful conditions with out worry of reprisal.
Three Barnes & Noble flagships places will stroll away with ratified contracts.Photograph courtesy of RWDSU.
Bear Spiegel, a bookseller on the Union Sq. flagship retailer, mentioned he’s most excited concerning the many security provisions they have been in a position to embody within the contract to maintain him and his coworkers as protected as doable whereas they do their jobs.
“Finally having a ratified contract is immeasurably meaningful. The bargaining committee and the unit as a whole have put so much into securing our rights, and that work is finally paying off,” Spiegel mentioned.
Aaron Lascano, a senior bookseller on the identical retailer, reiterated the transformative affect of this contract.
“The contract we voted on today was fought for and won by the workers of this store. Now, we’re looking forward to finally having guaranteed raises, excellent union healthcare coverage, protections from layoffs and store closure, and so much more,” Lascano mentioned.
The enhancements lengthen past wages and security, with the contracts additionally addressing beforehand unacceptable working circumstances. For instance, the brand new contracts will convert a small closet into a chosen breakroom for employees on the Union Sq. retailer, a big improve from the insufficient amenities beforehand obtainable for a workforce of over 120 staff.
“After over a year of struggle, it is great to see our store ratify a union contract,” James Dolezal, a senior bookseller on the Park Slope retailer, mentioned. “We fought hard for every inch. Every contract ratified is a step toward ensuring that bookstore employees are treated with the respect we deserve.”
The ratification votes came about on completely different dates: the Union Sq. retailer voted on March 3, the Park Slope retailer voted on March 4, and West 82nd Avenue voted on March 5. For a lot of employees, this victory displays a big shift in direction of higher working circumstances within the retail trade, the place problems with harassment, wage instability, and poor working circumstances stay prevalent.
