After months of negotiations, members of UFCW Local 919 who work at the Barnes & Noble store in North Haven, Conn., unanimously ratified their first union contract on Nov. 23.
These workers, who are employed as booksellers and café baristas, joined our union in April because they were concerned about hours, scheduling, proper training, timely promotions, guaranteed raises as opposed to yearly reviews, and respect in the workplace. They played an active role in the bargaining process, which began in June.
The two-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.
• Schedule guarantees that include five hours daily, with a minimum of two shifts per week.
• Vacation pay schedule, time and a half pay on holidays and holiday not worked pay, personal holidays and bereavement pay.
• Mental health and personal leave.
• Three guaranteed raises within a two-year agreement.
• Layoff protections with severance pay.
• In the case of an injury, immediate pay for lost wages while waiting for worker’s comp.
• Up to two hours of Paid Time Off to vote on election days.
“These workers demonstrated true enthusiasm during the bargaining process and at their ratification meeting,” said UFCW Local 919 President Mark A. Espinosa. “There is no better example of why we do what we do every day: listen to our members and improve their workplaces and their lives.”