After months of negotiations, members of UFCW Local 1428 who work at the Barnes & Noble store in Glendora, Calif., ratified their first union contract on Oct. 30.
These workers, who are employed as booksellers and café baristas, joined our union last year because they were concerned about hours, scheduling, proper training, timely promotions, store safety and respect in the workplace. They played an active role in the bargaining process, which began in February.
The three-year contract addresses those concerns and includes the following provisions:
- Seniority rights for promotional opportunities.
- A three-step grievance process with discipline dropping off after three months for minor infractions to 12 months for major infractions.
- Wage grievances going back to six months.
- Schedule guarantees that include five hours daily, with a minimum of two shifts per week.
- Vacation pay schedule, double pay on holidays and holiday not worked pay, personal holidays and bereavement pay.
- Mental health and personal leave.
- A joint labor-management safety committee.
“A strong bargaining committee with a worker-led campaign has been inspirational to witness,” said UFCW Local 1428 President Mark Ramos.