HarperCollins US union authorises strike

Unionised employees of HarperCollins US have voted to authorise a strike if the publisher does not agree to a fair contract, reports Publishers Weekly.

UAW Local 2110, a union for technical, office and professional workers, represents more than 250 HarperCollins employees in the design, editorial, marketing, publicity and sales departments, who are currently working without a contract. Negotiations with management began in December last year, with the union bargaining for higher pay, improved family leave benefits, a greater commitment to diversifying staff and stronger union protection.

No new bargaining session has been set and there is no deadline for a strike.

Among the issues in dispute is, according to the union, the company’s refusal to include former Houghton Mifflin Harcourt employees in the bargaining unit; ensuring the company’s offers accounts for the current rate of inflation; and improving low wages. HarperCollins US told Publishers Weekly it does not comment on negotiations.

HarperCollins US has had a union for more than 80 years.

Category: International news