(CHAMPAIGN, ILLOINIS) – The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) has announced Workers employed at The Literary, a beloved independent Bookstore and Café in downtown Champaign, Illinois, have voted overwhelmingly in favor of Unionization.

The victory at The Literary marks the latest chapter in a growing national wave of independent and large Bookstore Unionizing with the RWDSU, as well as a significant win for Workers in the Champaign-Urbana Community.

Organizing under the banner of The Lit United, Employees pointed to ongoing challenges on the shop floor: Stagnant wages; Skeleton staffing setups; Unpredictable shift scheduling; and a Lack of support from upper management.

Securing Union Representation gives the Workers a formal seat at the table to lock in a contract that aligns with the business's community-focused, progressive mission.

Cale Hartman, a Bookseller at The Literary, said: “The future of The Literary is bright. A Union means security. It means investment in such a cornerstone of the Champaign-Urbana community. I believe with collective power, The Literary will stay true to what it means to be a third space, and the Workers will be treated with the same respect and care we bring to our community every day.”

RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum said: “The workers at The Literary have shown remarkable determination throughout this campaign to make their workplace a better place for everyone who walks through its doors. What happened in Champaign-Urbana is part of a much broader movement. Retail, Food Service and Bookstore Workers nationwide are declaring one shop at a time, and in one voice, that they deserve dignity, fair pay, and a real say in their daily working conditions.”

To Read This Organizing Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: WORKERS AT THE LITERARY BOOKSTORE & CAFE VOTE TO JOIN RWDSU — Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU)