(NEW YORK CITY) – By an overwhelming vote of 85% in favor of Unionizing, Workers employed at the Barnes & Noble 82nd Street Store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan have voted to join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).

The RWDSU will represent about 50 Workers at the store in contract negotiations, which will commence swiftly, Union Officials said.  

The Workers in the Bargaining Unit include Booksellers, Baristas, Cashiers, Maintenance Clerks and all Non-Supervisory Employees at the store. 

Their win follows six overwhelming Union votes nationwide by Workers at Barnes & Noble Incorporated and one at Barnes & Noble Education so far.

Workers at the 82nd Street Store join two other Unionized Stores in New York City, including the Flagship at Union Square and the Park Slope, Brooklyn store.

There have also been a streak of wins by the RWDSU at Independent Booksellers in the area, including McNally Jackson, Goods for the Study, Greenlight Bookstore and Book Culture.

Workers at the store have concerns over job security, a lack of structure when it comes to job duties and tasks at work, and favoritism by management, all of which they’re seeking to address in their first Union contract.

“Winning our Union Election means my and my Co-Worker’s needs can finally be heard!  We’re asking for fair pay, clear opportunities to progress in long-term careers with Barnes and Noble, and overall job security.  I look forward to having our voices heard at the bargaining table,” said Gina Fowler, a Senior Barista at the Upper West Side Barnes & Noble store. 

RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum said: “With each new Union Election, Workers continue to send a clear message to Barnes and Noble that they want a seat at the table - and they are winning that seat by historic margins.  Bookstore Workers across the industry, from Independent Sellers to Corporate Behemoths like Barnes and Noble face safety concerns, lack of training and favoritism by management.  Only with a Union, will these issues and more be heard.  Barnes and Noble Workers are changing how their history will be told and inspiring other Workers to do the same!”

The RWDSU represents 100,000 Members throughout the U.S., including 45,000 in New York State and is affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW).

To Directly Access This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: BARNES & NOBLE WORKERS AT THE UPPER WEST SIDE MANHATTAN STORE VOTE OVERWHELMINGLY TO JOIN THE RWDSU — Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU)