The National Book Foundation announced that it has rescinded Drew Barrymore’s invitation to host this year’s National Book Awards ceremony, after Barrymore’s show broke the WGA strike by resuming production. They write in a post on Twitter, “The National Book Awards is an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of literature, and the incomparable contributions of writers to our culture. In light of the announcement that ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ will resume production, the National Book Foundation has rescinded Ms. Barrymore’s invitation to host the 74th National Book Awards Ceremony. Our Commitment is to ensure that the focus of the […]
Unions
National Book Awards Host Drew Barrymore Will Resume Taping Her Show Despite WGA Strike
On Instagram on Sunday, Drew Barrymore announced that she will resume production on her talk show despite the Writers Guild of America strike that began May 2. She wrote, “To be clear, our talk show actually wrapped on April 20th so we never had to shut down the show. However, I am also making the choice to come back for the first time in this strike for our show, that may have my name on it but this is bigger than just me.” WGA East members picketed her show Monday morning. Barrymore claimed, “I want to be there to provide […]
Powell’s Closed Monday as Workers Strike
All Powell’s Books locations were closed on Monday as workers stopped work in a one-day strike. The union authorized the strike in August as they work to negotiate a new contract–particularly with improved pay and affordable healthcare options–with management. The store announced the closure on social media in advance. “We deeply value our employees and respect their right to engage in protected union activity, which includes a strike. We understand it can be part of the bargaining process, and we will honor and respect it,” they wrote. According to Willamette Week, the union filed an unfair labor practices complaint with the […]
Union Workers Stage Walkout at Barnes & Noble In Hadley, MA
Union workers at Barnes & Noble in Hadley, MA walked out last Friday, to protest staffing issues. The union says the store is understaffed. The walkout lasted from 2 pm to 5 pm. Staffers voted to unionize last May, joining the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1459.
Powell’s Union Employees Authorize Strike
ILWU Local 5 announced on Wednesday that 92 percent of union members who work at Powell’s Books voted to authorize a strike against the bookstore. The union said: “This vote gives the ILWU Local 5 bargaining team the authority to call for a strike if it becomes necessary in the course of negotiations. It doesn’t mean Powell’s workers are going on strike right away, but it does mean they have the option and are getting strike-ready!” Union employees have been calling renewed attention to their open petition recently, garnering signatures in support of the message, “Tell Powell’s Books: Workers Deserve […]
Solid State Books Reaches Union Contract
Solid State Books in Washington D.C., which unionized in April with UFCW Local 400, has ratified their contract with the store after 17 days of negotiations. Solid State is the second bookstore in D.C. to unionize, after Politics & Prose. The three-year contract includes cost of living raises tied to the D.C. minimum wage, Juneteenth as a holiday (with overtime pay), provisions for additional vacation time, better hours, and more. The contract was modeled on the one ratified by Politics & Prose last September. Bookseller Kiara Martinez, who served on the negotiated committee said in a release, “We got here […]