Local 2179's Strand Booksellers on Strike

After months of stalled negotiation and three separate contract extensions, UAW Local 2179 members at the Strand Bookstore walked off the job today, December 7, marking the first strike at the iconic Manhattan book shop since the early 1990s.

UAW members began picketing at 10 AM outside the Broadway entrance of the Strand Bookstore. The picket line will run from 10 AM until 7 PM. The union is asking customers to not cross the picket line by attending any in-store events, selling their used books, or making any purchases—either in store or online.

Even with the store’s busiest season underway, the company has failed to meet worker demands for a living wage. “It’s becoming impossible to live in New York on what the Strand pays” says Andrew Stando, a visual merchandiser and shop steward at Strand. “We're just asking for enough to make rent every month.”

Come out to the picket line at 828 Broadway to help our members get the fair contract we deserve! If you can't come to the picket line, show your support by emailing management to tell them to agree to fair pay now. For the latest updates, follow Strand Workers United on Instagram.

Update: On Monday, December 9, Strand Workers United reached a tentative agreement with management ending the strike.

In the News:

• The Chief: Strand workers authorize strike (Nov. 25)
• 1010 WINS: Workers at the East Village's Strand Bookstore striking for better wages (Dec. 7)
• CBS New York: Union workers at Manhattan's Strand Bookstore on strike (Dec. 8)
• Publishers Weekly: Strike Ends at the Strand as Union, Management Reach Tentative Agreement (Dec. 10)