Powell’s Bookstore workers send message with “No Labor” Day strike
On Labor Day, September 4, more than 300 workers at Powell’s Books represented by Local 5 in Portland, OR went on a one-day “unfair labor practices” strike (ULP) at all Powell’s locations. Picketing at stores for the “No Labor” Day strike began at 9:30 a.m.; workers later converged on Powell’s City of Books, the flagship Powell’s location on Burnside Ave, for a massive rally at 1:00 p.m.
Prior to the strike, Local 5 filed an unfair labor practices complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Workers were joined on the picket line in solidarity by ILWU members from all along the West Coast and Canada, as well as other union members and community supporters from the Portland area.
“The solidarity of all unions is to make a simple demand,” said Local 5 union representative and bargaining team member Myka Dubay in a statement. “Powell’s should return to the table; participate in the process by negotiating with the union; and do so in good faith as required by federal labor law.”
Local 5 represents the majority of workers at Powell’s, whose operations include three Portland bookstores, a local warehouse, a call center, and a small group of work-from-home employees. Local 5 has represented Powell’s workers since 1999 when workers first organized. Negotiations for the first contract between Powell’s and Local 5 were lengthy and contentious, with workers staging several strikes and walkouts before finally reaching an agreement in August 2000. Powell’s workers last went on strike in 2003, during negotiations for their second contract. Local 5 and Powell’s are currently negotiating their eighth agreement. Powell’s workers have been working without a contract, which expired on June 7, following a series of contract extensions.
Engaging the public
Throughout the negotiations workers have engaged customers and the community by distributing flyers outside the stores, circulating a petition online, wearing buttons during their shifts, and other actions to call attention to the inadequacy of the company’s proposals.
In the weeks leading up to the strike, Local 5 engaged in a robust social media campaign promoting the action to mobilize public support and put the employer on notice. It worked. The post announcing the strike received nearly 4,000 likes in a single day and Powell’s Books announced before the strike that they would be closing all of their stores on September 4 “due to the lack of staffing.”
Worker frustrations
Workers are frustrated with the employer’s continued unwillingness to negotiate in good faith and come to an agreement on a contract that includes livable wages and accessible health benefits for all staff.
On June 20, the company’s first “final offer” was rejected by the union membership meeting. Members attending that meeting instead recommended a strike authorization vote by all Powell’s workers represented by the union — 307 booksellers and buyers, warehouse workers, marketing workers, technicians, truck drivers, and more.
Fighting for a livable income
Powell’s has failed to provide wages that keep up with inflation in recent years, with entry-level booksellers now starting at the minimum wage. On top of that, over 85% of Powell’s union workers currently make below the area’s living wage, with many workers remaining “capped” below a living wage — including those who’ve worked for the company for decades.
Dubay said the minimum livable income in Multnomah County, is $21.85 per hour or just over $45,000 annually according to data from MIT’s living wage calculator. The most generous base wage offered by Powell’s management in contract negotiations was over $5 per hour below that figure. “Your maximum earning potential shouldn’t be the bare minimum required to live in your city,” they said.
ILWU solidarity
Speakers at the rally included ILWU International President Willie Adams, ILWU Canada President Rob Ashton, Local 40 President Dawn DesBrisay, and past Local 5 President Mary Winzig. ILWU International Secretary-Treasurer Ed Ferris also attended the action.
ILWU’s speakers expressed the steadfast commitment and solidarity of the entire union to Local 5 and Powell’s workers for a fair contract that reflects the value and profits they create for Powell’s Books. Workers from several other local unions and organizing campaigns also spoke at the event.
“There is no other place that I would rather be than here with you today,” said Pres. Adams. “You are going into battle with the full strength of the 42,000 workers of the ILWU behind you. We stand with you in solidarity today, tomorrow, and until you bring the victory home.”
Adams added. “Employers are the same. I don’t care whether it’s Powell’s, longshore, or Starbucks. What workers have is the power to withhold our labor. This is our time right now and we’re not going to beg the employers for anything. We’ve got to go take what we deserve and we will do so without apology.”
Rob Ashton spoke about the 13-day strike waged by more than 7,000 ILWU Canada longshore workers earlier this year and noted that both Powell’s workers and ILWU Canada’s longshore workers were fighting for dignity.
“Without worker power, there are no profits for these corporations to be earned. The profits Powell’s earns have been off the backs of you all. You are demanding your fair share of those profits so you can live a life of dignity and respect,” Ashton said. “By striking you are showing your employer that you’re unified, that you’re getting tired of being treated like garbage. I’m so very proud to stand here with you all today and march in your line to show the love and respect that ILWU Canada has for Local 5.
“You all deserve a wage that is dignified. We’re here for you, your union is here for you. The greater labor movement is here for you. And we’ll always be here for you. Stand fast, hold the line together, and we shall be victorious.”
DesBrisay highlighted the many contributions that Local 5 members bring to Powell’s Books and have made the bookstore such a success.
“Powell’s looks a little sad today,” DesBrisay said. “It’s nothing more than a structure and a bunch of books because the store doesn’t come alive until Local 5 enters the door, brings their passion, and knowledge of books, their outstanding work ethic, and then they sprinkle a little whimsy. That’s when the City of Books comes to life. They deserve a livable wage where they can pay their rent and buy food. My promise to Local 5 is that Local 40 will always stand with you.”
Since the strike, the Local 5 bargaining committee has met with the employer but Powell’s is still refusing to meet the workers’ demand for a livable wage and a second strike action is possible, according to Dubay.