Natascha Elena Uhlmann at LaborNotes reports that minutes from the high-end boutiques of SoHo in Manhattan sits Bergen Logistics’ Fulfillment Facility in North Bergen, New Jersey, where Workers sort, package and ship hundreds of packages a day for luxury fashion brands like Acne Studios, Kenzo and Phillip Lim. But the Workers themselves can’t realistically afford the ornate gowns and crisp suits they ship to on-line shoppers. Some work two jobs just to stay afloat and rush to keep up with unit-per-hour expectations. Now they’re fighting for Union Recognition and the reinstatement of a colleague the Union alleges was fired for her organizing. The Workers point to the gap between word and action for high-profile brands that publicly claim to care about working conditions. Safety is a key concern, especially when heat waves hit. “Especially last year, the hot season was really intense,” said Yeurimar Acosta, who works in the stock department. “On the fourth floor, with the amount of plastic there is - because the garments are wrapped in it - generates more heat.” The company has added fans, she said, “but it’s not enough for how big the space is.” Insufficient staffing leads to accidents. Acosta was injured when a box slipped and landed on her hand. “I was so frustrated,” she said, “because I think I’d asked for support like three times, because of the heavy workload.”

To Read This Labor News Story In Its entirety, Go To: Warehouse Workers Power NYC’s Fashion Industry. Now, They’re Unionizing | Labor Notes

Photo Courtesy Of Warehouse Workers Uniting Via Labor Notes