Unionization in the “geek space” was a big thing for a bit and then just seemed to peter out. But, employees at Abrams Books are looking to be the latest. On Monday, the United Auto Workers, Local 2110 petitioned the National Labor Relations Board to allow Abrams’ employees to vote on whether to unionize. Editors, publicists, marketers, production managers, designers, managing editors, sales, distribution, mailroom, IT, and finance staffers would be eligible to vote.
Wages are at the center for the want to unionize. Entry-level salaries for employees at the Big Five publishing houses are about $50,000 a year, Entry-level salaries at Abrams remain at $40,000. That, as well as a lack of job security and the need for greater transparency are reasons for the unionization attempt.
Sarah Robbins, an associate editor for five years said:
The work we do at the company is essential. Without our labor, Abrams couldn’t publish any books. We want to be heard and treated with respect, which includes fair wages and better job protections.
Abrams is aware of the UAW’s request to the NLRB but has not released a comment.
Abrams, founded in 1949, publishes art books, graphic novels, comics, and children’s books. It’s the home of the wildly successful Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series.
UAW Local 2110 also represents employees at HarperCollins, the New Press, and the Asian American Writers Workshop.
(via Publisher’s Weekly)
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Source: Graphic Policy
