HarperCollins US staff to go on one-day strike

In the US, unionised employees of HarperCollins will hold a one-day strike on Wednesday, July 20, 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.

‘We want an agreement with HarperCollins that will create a more accessible, equitable, and just workplace,’ said Laura Harshberger, a children’s books senior production editor and union chairperson. ‘We have a mandate from our members to strike because the company refuses to agree to a fair contract for the employees that make it so successful.’

Harshberger said a petition among publishing industry members has gained more than 2000 signatures in a show of support for the union, which notes that after years of record profits, HarperCollins is positioned to improve pay. Women comprise the majority of workers, and are paid an average US$55,000 annually (A$80K), with a starting salary of US$45,000 (A$65K). A HarperCollins spokesperson told Publishers Weekly the company doesn’t comment on negotiations.

The strike comes after the same employees voted to authorise a strike if the publisher did not agree to a fair contract earlier this month.

Category: International news