Unionized employees of HarperCollins have authorized a one-day strike for Wednesday, July 20, reports Andrew Albanese, Publishers Weekly senior writer.
“The local contract expired at the end of last year and no new agreement has yet been reached,” he explains.
Local 2110 of the United Auto Workers union represents more than 250 employees in editorial, sales, publicity, design, legal, and marketing departments at the Big Five publisher.
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The union is looking for higher pay, improved family leave benefits, a greater commitment to diversifying staff, and stronger union protection.
“It’s fascinating that what’s really driving this [strike] is lack of action on diversity,” Albanese tells me. “Publishing workers are demanding better working conditions, but also accountability.”
Asked for comment, a HC spokesperson told PW the company does not comment on negotiations.