HarperCollins Union Schedules a Strike for July 20

on Jul 12, 2022

On Wednesday, July 20, HarperCollins' unionised staff will go on a one-day strike. Following a decision by the union last week to authorise a strike should the publisher not accept what it perceives to be a fair deal, the statement was made.

More than 250 workers in the areas of editorial, sales, publicity, design, legal, and marketing are represented by the union, United Auto Workers Local 2110. A new deal has not been struck since the union's contract expired at the end of the previous year. The union demands better family leave benefits, increased salary, a stronger commitment to workforce diversity, and stronger union protections.

The union's chairwoman, Laura Harshberger, a senior production editor for children's books, stated in a statement, "We seek an agreement with HarperCollins that will create a more accessible, egalitarian, and just workplace." "Our members have given us the go-ahead to strike since the firm won't accept a fair deal for the workers who help it succeed," the statement reads.

According to Harshberger, more than 2,000 people have signed a petition that the union among members of the publishing business initiated in support of the union, which claims that HC is in a position to raise compensation after years of record earnings. The majority of workers are women, who earn an average pay of $55,000 per year with a starting salary of $45,000.

News Corp., the parent company of HC, reported financial data for the quarter that ended March 31, 2022, and stated that while sales increased by 5%, earnings fell by 16% (to $67 million) as a result of supply chain concerns and other problems. However, executives informed investors they anticipate continued solid financial performance from the publisher. During the same conference call, News Corp's book and newspaper publishing businesses' "talent retention" is anticipated to continue to be a challenge, at least in the near future.

The union also declared that it would push for greater racial and ethnic diversity in the business during negotiations. The firm needs to be held accountable, said Stephanie Guerdan, an associate editor in children's books, in a statement. "Our members are tired of debates about diversity and inclusion that leave the company blameless." "We need structural change, starting with salaries, union stability, and policies that truly support marginalised workers in thriving at work. The business must promise to continue collaborating with the union on these problems.