Workers at the world-famous New York East Village bookstore win 37% raise in new contract
The three-day-long strike at the Strand Bookstore has officially ended as UAW Local 2179 members have returned to work and ratified a new union contract.
The strike was the first at the iconic bookstore since the early 1990s and came during the busy holiday shopping season. From December 7th-9th, Strand workers picketed and demonstrated outside the Strand’s flagship location at 828 Broadway, joined by community supporters and elected officials, including New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, New York State Senator Jessica Ramos, and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. A tentative agreement between Strand and the union was reached Monday night, and ratified by the members on Thursday.
Securing higher wages was the top priority at the bargaining table, and the four-year agreement includes a 37% raise over the life of the contract. New hires are also guaranteed to be hired above the minimum wage. The new contract includes substantial improvements to employees’ healthcare plan, and guarantees no reduction in paid time off for workers.
Workers at the East Village’s Strand Bookstore went on strike the morning of Saturday, December 7th during the peak holiday shopping season, demanding better wages after negotiations with management broke down.
Strand Bookstore has been in business for over 97 years and employs over 150 people.
“This is by far the best contract for workers in Strand history,” says Andrew Stando, a Strand worker and union shop steward. “The days of Strand workers struggling at minimum wage are over.”
[…] Strand Booksellers Strike a Deal For New Contract […]