Workers at a Barnes & Noble location in South Burlington, Vt., have voted to unionize with UFCW Local 1459, and contract negotiations are underway.
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| Bookstore workers Laura Jaime, Willow Guppy, and Sebastian Ryder | |
According to a UFCW release, the booksellers' and baristas' primary concerns are better wages and benefits, as well as firm safety language and fair treatment. The B&N South Burlington workers were inspired by others in the book industry who have formed unions, including employees at a B&N in Hadley, Mass., who also unionized with UFCW Local 1459. The release noted that other retail employees in the Burlington area have also organized.
"I think there is a misconception among employers that unionizing is driven by anger and resentment on the part of workers," said Sebastian Ryder, bookseller at the South Burlington store. "Though there may be some of that, ultimately, I was grateful to serve on the organizing committee for unionizing our Barnes & Noble out of hope for the future, as well as love and respect for my co-workers, and yes, B&N itself. Love and respect are sustainable; anger and resentment, not so much."