UFCW continues to build momentum for bookstore workers across the country to unionize for better jobs. In less than a year, workers joined UFCW for fairness, respect and dignity at their workplace. Some of our latest organizing victories are spotlighted below.
Politics and Prose (Washington DC) – UFCW Local 400
Workers at Politics and Prose in Washington DC made history as the first ever Washington DC bookstore to unionize as they joined UFCW Local 400.
More than 50 workers across the three P&P bookstore locations voted to unionize in order to to negotiate a contract that secures higher wages, a standardized pay scale, and pay transparency.
“We are proud to join the growing movement of booksellers and baristas across the country who have unionized their workplaces,” said the P&P organizing committee.
Read UFCW Local 400 statement here.
Half Price Books (Minnesota) – UFCW Local 663 & 1189
In December 2021, workers from three Half Price Books locations in Twin Cities, Minnesota won union recognition from a National Labor Relations Board election, making this the first union at the national chain Half Price Books.
Workers unionized with UFCW Locals 663 and 1189 to secure livable wages, better working conditions and a voice in their workplace.
Stores in Coon Rapids, Roseville and St. Paul filed for union election mid-October of last year. Ballots were sent to workers by the U.S. Mail and a certified election count was scheduled for Thursday, December 16 at 2 p.m. All three locations voted to unionize.
On January 6, 2022, workers from the St. Louis Park location at Half Price Books won union recognition from a NLRB election, making it the fourth store to unionize with the national chain.
Read UFCW Local 663 statement here.
Greenlight Bookstore and Yours Truly (New York City, NY) – RWDSU/UFCW
About 40 workers at Greenlight Bookstores and Yours Truly stationery stores in Brooklyn, N.Y., joined the RWDSU/UFCW last summer. The workers in the bargaining unit handle sales, stocking, and information services in the stores.
In addition to Greenlight Bookstore and Yours Truly, the RWDSU also represents workers at book and stationery stores across New York City including McNally Jackson, Goods for the Study, and Book Culture.
“We’re proud to welcome the workers of Greenlight Bookstores and Yours Truly stationery stores into our union,” said RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum. “Together, they won recognition from their employer, and showed that the best way for working people to protect themselves and their families is to join together in a union.”
Read RWDSU statement here.
