Strand Bookstore Strike Ends with Tentative Agreement on Pay Raises

After nearly a week of striking, the Strand Union has reached a tentative agreement with management, effectively ending the strike that began on December 7. The union announced the breakthrough online, stating, “We won a $5.90/hr increase over 4 years, meaning approximately 30% raises for the membership.” The post also confirmed the cessation of strike activities and picketing, adding, “Members will now discuss and vote on the tentative agreement. Thank you to everyone who came out to support!”

Key Issues Addressed in Negotiations

The union’s demands centered on wage increases to ensure fair pay for both new and existing employees. Initial proposals included:

• A starting wage of $0.50 above minimum wage for new hires, with a $0.50 raise after nine months.
• For current employees, a $2/hr raise in the first year, followed by $1.50/hr increases in the second and third years.

These demands sought to address economic challenges faced by staff, particularly those working near minimum wage. The tentative agreement, which includes a $5.90/hr increase over four years, signals a significant step toward better pay equity.

Workers Unite Across Departments

The strike included unionized employees from various roles critical to Strand’s operations, such as:

• Staff at the Brooklyn warehouse.
• The truck driver responsible for transporting inventory to the store.
• Customer service representatives, employees processing web orders, and used book buyers.

By uniting across departments, the workers underscored the interconnected nature of the bookstore’s operations and the importance of fair treatment for all roles.

What’s Next?

While the tentative agreement brings relief, it is not yet final. Union members will review and vote on the proposed contract to determine whether it meets their expectations and needs.

The agreement marks a critical moment for labor advocacy within the independent bookstore sector, setting a precedent for other retail and book industry workers.

With this resolution, the Strand looks forward to resuming regular operations while its staff anticipates improved working conditions and wages in the years ahead.

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