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A Groundbreaking Achievement for Bookstore Employees
Barnes & Noble workers across three New York City locations have officially ratified their first-ever union contracts, marking a major milestone in the bookselling industry. The agreements, negotiated through the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), cover more than 200 employees at the Union Square, Park Slope, and West 82nd Street stores.
This victory is not just significant for these workers—it sets a national precedent. A similar contract is also in the works for Barnes & Noble employees in Bloomington, Illinois, further expanding the impact of this labor movement.
Raising the Bar for Workplace Safety
One of the central issues driving the unionization effort was workplace safety. The newly ratified contracts introduce enhanced safety measures that go beyond the protections provided by New York’s Retail Worker Safety Act.
Key safety provisions include:
- Protective equipment such as back braces, wrist guards, and anti-slip mats.
- De-escalation training to help employees handle difficult situations.
- A formal safety committee to address concerns and enforce protocols.
- A policy allowing workers to step away from unsafe situations without fear of retaliation.
These measures provide a model for improving safety standards across the retail sector.
Workers at the flagship Manhattan Barnes and Nobles store voted overwhelmingly to unionize with RDWSU | B&N Workers Union – 1
Wage Gains and Job Security
In addition to safety improvements, the contracts include significant pay raises. The minimum starting wage had already increased by $4.00 during the negotiation process, and wages will continue to rise by $1.00 per year over the contract’s three-year term. By the end of the agreement, new hires will earn between $23.00 and $25.00 per hour, depending on their job classification.
To protect workers’ financial and professional stability, the contracts also guarantee:
- Job security in case of store closures or relocations.
- Layoff protections, prioritizing seniority when positions are cut.
- Pay continuity for workers affected by emergency store closures.
Better Benefits, Better Work Environment
The agreements also bring new benefits and workplace improvements aimed at enhancing employees’ daily work experience. Some of the most notable changes include:
- RWDSU-provided healthcare coverage.
- Paid late-night transportation for employees working inventory shifts.
- A new breakroom at the Union Square store, replacing the previous cramped basement space.
Workers Reflect on Their Victory
For many employees, the ratification of these contracts represents the culmination of years of hard work and organizing.
Bear Spiegel, a bookseller at Union Square, emphasized the importance of the safety provisions, saying they will help protect workers while performing their jobs.
Aaron Lascano, a senior bookseller at Union Square, celebrated the hard-fought battle for fair wages, job security, and healthcare coverage.
James Dolezal, a senior bookseller at Park Slope, described the contract ratification as a crucial step toward ensuring bookstore employees are treated with dignity and respect.
Eve Greenlow, a bookseller at West 82nd Street, expressed pride in being part of a historic movement and highlighted the importance of improved job security and workplace conditions.
A New Standard for the Retail Industry
RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum applauded the Barnes & Noble workers for their dedication, pointing out that their efforts not only secured protections for themselves but also influenced industry-wide safety standards.
“This agreement proves that workers can win fair contracts in a reasonable timeframe,” Appelbaum said, contrasting Barnes & Noble’s approach with the prolonged labor disputes at other retailers like REI.
With these contracts in place, Barnes & Noble workers have set a powerful example—showing that collective action can drive meaningful change in the retail and bookselling industries.
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