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HarperCollins US staff strike outside publisher's offices demanding better pay and benefits
Unionised employees at HarperCollins US went on strike yesterday (20th July) demanding better pay and benefits.
Publishers Weekly reported around 100 people were on the picket line in front of the publisher’s headquarters in Manhattan’s financial district. Union reps were handing out signs and water to protestors throughout the day and passing out flyers to people.
The flyers said: “We have been bargaining for a union contract since December 2021, but the company will not agree to a fair offer.
“HarperCollins reported record-breaking profits in the past two years but we average only $55,000 per year and our starting salaries are as low as $45,000. These numbers do not reflect our contribution to the company’s success.
“HarperCollins claims to be committed to diversity, equity and inclusion but has rejected union proposals that would codify this. We want meaningful change not empty gestures.
“HarperCollins won’t agree to basic union security rights, despite overwhelming support among members. Our union was formed 80 years ago and its time for the company to stop union busting.”
It went on to ask passersby to join the picket line, post about the strike on social media, and pledge to contribute to its hardship fund to mitigate pay lost during the strike. Striking workers were not getting paid for the day.
In social media videos, protestors can be heard chanting: “Record profits, stolen wages”.
HarperCollins US said it does not comment on negotiations.
