Barnes & Noble Workers at West 82nd Street Store File for Union Election

Barnes & Noble employees at the West 82nd Street Store in New York City have officially filed for a union election this week, seeking representation from the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). This move comes after successful union votes at multiple Barnes & Noble Inc. locations across the country, including one at Barnes & Noble Education.

The workers at the West 82nd Street Store, if the union election is successful, will join two other unionized Barnes & Noble stores in New York City: the flagship store at Union Square and the Park Slope store in Brooklyn. With a majority of employees in favor of unionizing, the workers have urged Barnes & Noble to voluntarily recognize the union to begin contract negotiations promptly on various issues affecting the employees.

Despite overwhelming support for union representation from workers, Barnes & Noble has not yet voluntarily recognized any of the unionized stores. The employees at the West 82nd Street Store have raised concerns regarding job security, a lack of clear job duties and tasks structure, and alleged favoritism by management.

Lauren Champlin, a Bookseller at the Upper West Side Barnes & Noble store, emphasized the significance of their organizing efforts within the broader labor movement. Champlin highlighted the importance of raising workplace standards for the well-being of current and future employees, expressing pride in the role Barnes & Noble plays in local communities.

If the union election at the West 82nd Street Store is successful, the RWDSU will represent approximately 50 eligible workers under the National Labor Relations Act. The proposed bargaining units will include Booksellers, Baristas, Cashiers, Maintenance staff, and all non-supervisory employees at the store.