Barnes & Noble Workers in NYC
Secure Historic Union Contracts

Barnes & Noble workers in New York City have ratified their first-ever union contracts, marking a historic milestone for retail employees in the bookselling industry. The contracts, secured through the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), cover over 200 employees across three stores: Union Square, Park Slope, and West 82nd Street. 

This victory sets a precedent for booksellers nationwide. The contracts are individual to each store and have some slight specifications to each store. The votes to ratify the contracts were conducted onsite in three separate votes on the following dates:

• Union Square Flagship Store: March 3, 2025
• Park Slope, Brooklyn Store: March 4, 2025
• West 82nd Street, New York Store: March 5, 2025

Prioritizing Safety in the Workplace

Worker safety was a driving force behind the unionization effort. The new contracts incorporate measures that exceed the protections of New York State’s Retail Worker Safety Act. Employees now have access to safety equipment, including back braces, wrist guards, and anti-slip mats, as well as the ability to walk away from unsafe situations without fear of retaliation. Additionally, a safety committee and de-escalation training will help workers handle difficult situations.

Wage Increases and Job Security

The contracts also bring significant wage gains. The minimum starting wage has already increased by $4.00 leading up to the agreement, and will continue to rise by $1.00 per year throughout the contract’s duration. By the end of the contract, new hires will earn between $23.00 and $25.00 per hour, depending on their job classification. Job security provisions protect workers in the event of store closures or relocations, and layoffs will follow a seniority-based system.

Expanded Benefits and Workplace Improvements

Barnes & Noble employees now have access to RWDSU-provided healthcare, along with other benefits that improve their working conditions. Workers will receive paid transportation for late-night shifts, guaranteed pay during store emergency closures, and a new breakroom at the Union Square location—replacing a cramped basement space that previously accommodated only three chairs for a staff of 120.

Workers Celebrate Their Victory

Union members expressed pride in their collective achievement, emphasizing how much conditions have improved since they first began organizing.

• Bear Spiegel, Bookseller at Union Square, highlighted the contract’s safety provisions, calling them essential for protecting employees on the job.
• Aaron Lascano, Senior Bookseller at Union Square, noted that workers had fought hard to secure raises, healthcare, and job protections.
• James Dolezal, Senior Bookseller at Park Slope, described the victory as a step toward ensuring bookstore employees receive the respect they deserve.
• Eve Greenlow, Bookseller at West 82nd Street, said they were proud to be part of history, particularly in securing workplace improvements like access to chairs and enhanced job security.

A Model for the Industry

RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum praised the workers’ efforts, emphasizing that their fight for safety protections had influenced broader industry standards. He also pointed to the Barnes & Noble agreement as an example of how fair contracts can be reached in a reasonable timeframe—contrasting it with ongoing labor struggles at other retailers like REI.

With this landmark agreement in place, Barnes & Noble workers have set a new standard for the bookselling industry, proving that collective action can lead to meaningful and lasting workplace improvements.