Abrams Books Employees Take Steps to Unionize for Fair Pay and Transparency
Employees at acclaimed independent publisher Abrams Books are writing a new chapter—this time, for their own future. Staff across departments have officially taken the first step to unionize, signaling growing momentum for labor rights in the publishing industry.
Recently, UAW Local 2110—a union already known for representing workers at HarperCollins—filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board on behalf of Abrams employees. The proposed bargaining unit spans nearly every corner of the company, including publicity, marketing, design, managing editorial, production, sales, IT, finance, and even the mailroom.
Their message is clear: they want a seat at the table.
A Mission Rooted in Equity
In a mission statement shared on social media, the unionizing employees expressed a desire for “a more equitable, ethical, and transparent working environment,” citing stagnant wages, lack of job security, and limited communication from management.
“As employees, we want a seat at the decision-making table, and to be heard on issues of wages, healthcare, job security, and protections in the workplace,” the statement read.
The campaign is part of a broader wave of labor activism sweeping through the publishing world. In recent years, employees at major houses like HarperCollins and Duke University Press have unionized, demanding better pay, benefits, and working conditions—especially as cost-of-living spikes in urban hubs like New York City.
Wages and Workplace Disparities
One of the central issues behind the union effort is starting pay. At Abrams, entry-level salaries reportedly begin at $40,000, which lags behind the $47,500 benchmark set by the “Big Five” New York publishers.
In an industry that prides itself on literary merit and creative innovation, the reality for many publishing workers remains far less glamorous. Employees often struggle to afford rent, healthcare, or career advancement in an environment where passion is expected to substitute for fair compensation.
A Sign of the Times
The unionization push at Abrams reflects a broader shift in publishing—a field historically seen as elite and resistant to change. With rising awareness of income inequality, worker rights, and the mental health impacts of low-wage, high-demand jobs, publishing professionals are increasingly organizing to push for reform from the inside.
For Abrams, this could mark a turning point. The company—best known for its art books, children’s titles, and graphic novels—now faces the challenge of responding to its workers’ demands for equity and inclusion, not just in the books they publish, but in the culture they cultivate.
What Comes Next?
The petition to the National Labor Relations Board triggers the next phase: a formal vote among eligible employees. If the majority votes in favor, the union will be certified and can begin negotiations with Abrams management.
As the publishing industry continues to evolve—navigating everything from digital disruption to AI-generated content—its workers are sending a powerful message: creativity deserves stability. Passion shouldn’t come at the expense of fair treatment.
Stay tuned. The story is still being written.