Workers at Barnes & Noble unionized stores in New York City organized with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), rallied with fellow New York City unionized bookstore workers including workers from McNally Jackson represented by RWDSU Local 1102, the Strand in Union Square who are members of UAW 2179, and Barnes & Noble workers from Hadley, Massachusetts, who are members of UFCW 1459, to demand the company reach a contract by the end of 2024. As the holiday shopping season gets underway, workers were joined by unionized bookstore workers to raise industry standards for all. They were also joined by union members from across the city, labor allies, advocacy and community groups, and concerned shoppers.

Members of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) gathered on zoom to share stories of past holiday seasons and issues they face heading into one of the busiest times of the year in the industry. Workers came together just ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday to highlight the unique pressures they face and call on the public to be kind and understanding.

By an overwhelming vote of 85% in favor of the union, workers at the Barnes & Noble 82nd Street Store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan have voted to join the RWDSU. Their win follows six overwhelming union votes nationwide by workers at Barnes & Noble Inc. and one at Barnes & Noble Education so far. Workers at this store now join two other unionized stores in New York City including the Flagship at Union Square and the Park Slope, Brooklyn store. There have also been a streak of wins by the RWDSU at independent booksellers in the area, including McNally Jackson, Goods for the Study, Greenlight Bookstore and Book Culture.

Barnes & Noble workers at the West 82nd Street Store in New York City filed for their union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seeking representation with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). Their filing follows five overwhelming union votes nationwide by workers at Barnes & Noble Inc. and one at Barnes & Noble Education so far. When successful, workers at this store will join two other unionized stores in New York City including the Flagship at Union Square and the Park Slope, Brooklyn store. There have also been a streak of wins by the RWDSU at independent booksellers in the area, including McNally Jackson, Goods for the Study, Greenlight Bookstore and Book Culture…