Upper West Side Barnes & Noble Workers Votes To Join Union

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — It's a whole new chapter for these Upper West Side booksellers and workers.

In an overwhelming approval vote last week, the Upper West Side's Barnes & Noble store, at 2289 Broadway near West 82nd Street, is officially unionized.

The workers voted Thursday, with 85 percent of the employees — 34 to 6 — voting in favor of unionizing with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

It's the third New York City location of the bookseller to unionize, and the seventh nationwide.

“Winning our union election means my and my co-worker’s needs can finally be heard," said Gina Fowler, a senior barista at the West 82nd Street Barnes & Noble. We’re asking for fair pay, clear opportunities to progress in long-term careers with Barnes & Noble, and overall job security. I look forward to having our voices heard at the bargaining table."

Just weeks ago, the workers filed for a union election, citing grievances including "job security, a lack of structure when it comes to job duties and tasks at work, and favoritism by management," according to the RWDSU.

The union will represent about 50 workers in total during upcoming contract negotiations, and will include booksellers, baristas, cashiers, maintenance clerks and all non-supervisory workers at the store.

“We’re all thrilled and excited at the election result. The feeling of solidarity among employees at every position in the store is really incredible. We’re looking forward to beginning negotiations for fair pay and better working conditions,” said Esther Rosenfield, also a senior barista at the store.

The RWDSU has been behind several successful union elections at independent booksellers across the city, including McNally Jackson, Goods for the Study, Greenlight Bookstore and Book Culture.