The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union on Thursday announced the ratification of first union contracts at three New York City Barnes & Noble stores, including the Park Slope location.
These are the first union contracts for any Barnes & Noble workers in the nation and collectively cover over 200 workers across three New York City stores, according to a press release.
The union said workers will now get wage increases, healthcare, safety equipment, late night transportation options and new training, among other things.
“After over a year of struggle, it is great to see our store ratify a union contract," said James Dolezal, a senior bookseller at the Park Slope Barnes & Noble store "We fought hard for every inch, and I am proud of all my coworkers who showed up to make their voices heard. Every contract ratified is a step toward ensuring that bookstore employees are treated with the respect we deserve."
Workers at the Union Square and W. 82nd Street location, both in Manhattan, also ratified their contracts.
The RWDSU also represents workers across the bookstore industry including workers at McNally Jackson and Goods for the Study, Greenlight Bookstore and Yours Truly, Brooklyn and Book Culture, all members of RWDSU Local 1102.
