Employee Strike at Iconic Manhattan Bookstore
Background
Dozens of employees at one of Manhattan’s busiest and most iconic bookstores, Strand Bookstore, walked off the job on Saturday after contract negotiations failed to produce an agreement between their union and management.
Picketing and Demands
Workers began picketing outside the bookstore around 10 a.m., marking what is believed to be the first employee strike in nearly three decades. The picketing workers, represented by UAW Local 2179, are demanding a fair contract and a living wage. Many of the workers out on the picket line said that even though the holiday season is one of the store’s busiest times, many of its employees are struggling to live in New York on what they make.
Fair Contract and Living Wage
"We’re just asking for a little bit more, that 50 cents more a year," said Joel Gross, who works at the store. "If we can get that we can go back to work." The union is calling for a $2 increase to employee base pay, which currently starts at $16 an hour, the minimum wage for New York City. The union also wants that rate to increase by $1.50 in the second and third years, but management is reportedly countering at 50 cents for each.
Statement from Management
Bookstore executives released a statement saying in part, "We respect and value our staff, and we have made sizable economic offers during this contract negotiation accordingly. The union has not been willing to accept those increases so far."
Impact on Customers
In the meantime, striking workers are also calling on customers to honor the picket line and abstain from buying from the store. "Everybody wants to go back to work. We love sharing books with people, we love serving the readers of the city," Gross added.
Conclusion
The strike at Strand Bookstore highlights the ongoing struggles of low-wage workers in New York City. The union and management will need to come to a agreement in order to end the strike and get employees back to work.
FAQs
Q: What is the main demand of the striking workers?
A: The main demand of the striking workers is a fair contract and a living wage.
Q: How much are the workers currently making?
A: The workers currently start at $16 an hour, the minimum wage for New York City.
Q: What is the union’s proposal for base pay?
A: The union is calling for a $2 increase to employee base pay, with an additional $1.50 increase in the second and third years.
Q: What is the management’s proposal for base pay?
A: Management is reportedly countering with a 50-cent increase for each of the next three years.
