Unions

The Center for Fiction has recognized its workers’ union after a supermajority of eligible employees filed for election with the RWDSU. The union will cover approximately 25 positions, including booksellers, baristas, administrative assistants, event production coordinators, development and grants assistants, and more. According to a release, they are “seeking to resolve a range of workplace issues, but are focused on having a seat at the table and a voice in decision-making, scheduling, job descriptions, and policy at The Center.” The union will now begin bargaining with management over a contract.

A supermajority of eligible employees at Quirk Books, including more than a dozen in editorial, sales, marketing, publicity, design, managing editorial, operations, and production, have elected to form a union with the NewsGuild of Greater Philadelphia, Local 38010, according to a social media post. They are asking for voluntary recognition from management. “The union seeks to ensure that employees at the company have a voice in decisions that impact them directly, including those related to job security, equitable pay, and protection from generative AI,” a press release states. On social media, the union wrote, “We love the work we do, […]

Employees at Abrams won their union election with a majority of eligible staff members voting to unionize. According to the union’s social media, 43 employees vote for and six voted against. According to a union press release, “Fourteen employees’ eligibility was challenged and their ballots were set aside and remain unopened. Their status will be resolved at a later date.” The next step will be bargaining with management for a contract. “Abrams will begin the process of negotiating a contract in good faith,” the company stated. “We are now turning our attention to working through next steps. We look forward […]

Workers at literary nonprofit and bookstore the Center for Fiction have filed for a union election with the RWDSU. According to a social media post, they “are forming a union to ensure that our voices are heard when decisions are made that impact us, and to ensure that we are compensated adequately as employees who live in one of the most expensive cities in the world.” Employees hope that management voluntarily recognizes the union, which would represent about 25 workers, including booksellers, baristas, and non-managerial staff in the office.

Abrams has hired labor consultant Max Goodwin to serve as an “educational resource” for employees as they consider their union election, according to an HR email that was obtained by PL. Goodwin is associated with an anti-union organization. According to the Abrams Union’s social media, Goodwin is ceo of ILR, “a division of Sparta solutions.” Sparta’s website notes that it “can help your company through the toughest fights,” including NLRB union elections and lists “organized labor” among its “opponents.” Abrams ceo Mary McAveney introduced Goodwin to employees in a “voluntary gathering” on Tuesday. and the company said that it is […]

UAW Local 2110 petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for a vote to unionize Abrams Books employees, the first step in officially forming a union. The workers, including staff in publicity, marketing, production, design, managing editorial, sales, distribution, IT, finance, and the mail room, are looking for higher wages, increased job security, and more transparency from management. Local 2110 also represents the Harper Collins union. The union posted a mission statement on social media, which reads in part, “In forming a union, we stake our claim in shaping the future of Abrams: a more equitable, ethical, and transparent working environment. […]