A Chapter in Labor History: Barnes & Noble Workers Secure First Union Contract in NYC
Barnes & Noble workers at three New York City stores have made history, officially ratifying their first-ever union contracts according to Fingerlakes1.com. Covering more than 200 employees across the Union Square Flagship, Park Slope, and West 82nd Street locations, the agreements mark a significant victory for retail workers and labor unions nationwide. Negotiated with the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU), the contracts set a new standard for wages, safety protections, and job security within the bookselling industry.
Meanwhile, a tentative agreement has been reached at Barnes & Noble’s Bloomington, Illinois, store, with a ratification vote set for March 8, 2025.
A New Chapter for Bookstore Workers
This milestone comes after years of organizing, as booksellers pushed for better working conditions amid rising living costs and increasing workplace safety concerns. The new contracts not only secure higher wages but also introduce industry-leading protections that go beyond existing labor laws.
Key Gains in the Barnes & Noble Contracts:
📖 Higher Wages:
- Minimum wages increased by $4.00 per hour before the contract takes effect
- Annual wage increases of $1.00 per year
- New hires will earn $23.00-$25.00 per hour by the end of the contract
🛡️ Safety & Workplace Protections:
- Mandatory safety equipment, including back braces and anti-slip mats
- Stools for booksellers and baristas to ease physical strain
- De-escalation training and a policy to ban customers who harass employees
- Paid transportation for late-night shifts to ensure a safe commute home
💼 Stronger Job Security & Benefits:
- Access to RWDSU’s healthcare plan
- Priority transfer rights for employees relocating to other Barnes & Noble stores
- Guaranteed pay during emergency store closures
👥 Anti-Discrimination & Worker Protections:
- Annual anti-discrimination training for all employees
- Stronger policies against favoritism and unfair scheduling
“We Fought for This”: Workers Speak Out
For employees who have long struggled with inconsistent hours, low pay, and limited protections, this contract is a major win.
📣 “Finally having a ratified contract is immeasurably meaningful. The safety provisions we fought for will keep me and my coworkers safe.” – Bear Spiegel, Union Square Flagship
📣 “This contract represents over a year of struggle. We fought hard for every inch, and every contract ratified is a step toward ensuring that bookstore employees are treated with respect.” – James Dolezal, Park Slope
📣 “When we started organizing, we were making minimum wage in unacceptable conditions. Now, we finally have guaranteed raises, excellent healthcare, and job security.” – Aaron Lascano, Union Square Flagship
📣 “I’m really pleased to have secured access to chairs and job security protections. This is history in the making!” – Eve Greenlow, West 82nd Street
A Wave of Unionization in Retail
Barnes & Noble joins a growing list of retailers, including Starbucks, REI, and Apple, where workers are demanding fair wages and safer working environments. The success of this contract could fuel further organizing efforts across bookstores and the retail industry.
Currently, seven Barnes & Noble locations have unionized, with more expected to follow.
Barnes & Noble Locations with RWDSU Contracts:
📍 Union Square Flagship, NYC
📍 Park Slope, Brooklyn
📍 West 82nd Street, NYC
📍 Pending Ratification Vote:
Bloomington, Illinois – March 8, 2025
What’s Next?
As other Barnes & Noble stores and booksellers nationwide watch this historic moment unfold, the question remains: will more locations join the movement? And will this inspire similar efforts at other major book chains?
One thing is certain—these booksellers have written the first chapter in what could be a transformative moment for bookstore workers across the country.