On July 9, over 100 Guitar Center workers at stores in four states unanimously ratified their first contract with the RWDSU/UFCW. The three-year contract, which covers Guitar Center workers in stores in New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Danvers, Mass., includes guaranteed base wage increases over the three-year term, and access to union-provided health care insurance.
“The contract that was ratified tonight wrote the song book for workers in the retail music industry,” said RWDSU/UFCW President Stuart Appelbaum. “Workers from all four stores fought to ensure the voices of their over 100 coworkers were heard – and the company listened. I am extremely proud of the negotiations team involved in this first contract and the provisions they reached in unison.”
“I love this job and it has provided me the supplemental income to pursue my career as a musician. Thanks to our work with the RWDSU and the company we have made these jobs even better. I look forward to further pursuing my musical aspirations,” said Cody Bergstrom, a nine-year Guitar Center employee in Las Vegas.