Barnes & Noble Store in Park Slope Brooklyn Votes Overwhelmingly in Favor of Unionization

In a significant development for workers’ rights, the Barnes & Noble store located in Park Slope Brooklyn has recently voted in favor of unionizing. This decision comes in the wake of successful unionization efforts in other Barnes & Noble stores, including those in Hadley, MA and Union Square, NYC. With an impressive 88% majority vote, the Park Slope store joins the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU), marking an important step towards addressing various pressing issues faced by employees in the retail industry.

Contract Negotiations to Address Post-Pandemic Challenges

The RWDSU, now representing over 30 employees of the Park Slope Barnes & Noble, is gearing up for contract negotiations with the management. These negotiations aim to tackle a range of concerns related to the post-pandemic resurgence of New York City. Key areas of focus include workplace safety, persistent issues of harassment, substandard pay compared to independent booksellers, unpredictable scheduling practices, lack of structure in job duties, and the presence of favoritism within the workplace.

According to a recent statement by the RWDSU, their goal is to ensure the well-being and fair treatment of Barnes & Noble employees, taking into account the unique challenges faced by workers in the retail sector. By addressing these issues head-on, the union strives to create a more secure and equitable work environment for all employees.

Barnes & Noble’s Response

In response to the unionization vote, a spokesperson for Barnes & Noble expressed their enthusiasm for entering into a contractual agreement with the Park Slope booksellers. This positive outlook from the company indicates a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards resolving the identified concerns in a mutually beneficial manner.

The recent unionization of the Barnes & Noble store in Park Slope Brooklyn marks a significant milestone in the ongoing movement for workers’ rights in the retail industry. By joining the RWDSU, employees of the store have taken a proactive step towards addressing their shared concerns and advocating for improved working conditions. As contract negotiations begin, it is hoped that the issues of safety, pay, scheduling, job structure, and favoritism will be effectively addressed, resulting in a more equitable and fulfilling work environment for the dedicated staff members of Barnes & Noble.