Fashionable Unions – H&M Workers in NYC Ratify First Contract
Posted on May 27th, 2009 by Tim Eavenson | No Comments »Filed under: ., Labor Law |
by reiner.kraft (flickr)
A Quick test: When you think of unions and New York City, what comes to mind? I’m guessing it’s not slim cardigans, GQ-worthy suits and adult-sized under-oos.
Well, shows what you know. As the New York Times reported, over 1,000 NYC employees of the international, high-fashion-low-cost retailer H&M are going to work today under a union contract that will raise their hourly pay and place restrictions on the company’s ability to change schedules at the last minute.
The H&M workers actually voted for representation by the Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union back in November of 2007; their first contract was ratified on May 20th of this year. According to the RWDSU’s press release, the new 3-year contract promises a 3% wage increase this year, with reopeners on wages for years 2 and 3, and allows for annual, merit-based increases.
The contract also guarantees that employees will know their schedules at least a week in advance – a provision that should make anyone who’s grunted through a mall job jealous. Frank Bail, the President of RWDSU local 1102 pointed out that over-flexibility in weekly schedules can be difficult for some employees with young children.
It’s unlikely that the H&M contract is a sign of big changes in the labor movement. I can’t see midwestern malls being taken over by organizing campaigns in the near future. But in urban areas like New York, Chicago and L.A., the workers at these places are probably more insulated and the turnover rates are lower (well, maybe not in L.A.). Plus, the close proximity of multiple storefronts could create a large enough worker base for organizing to be worthwhile. It’s something retail employers in major metropolitan areas should at least consider.
For now, it seems like NYC union workers are going to have to think a little harder about what they wear to the hall. Skinny up those jeans, and swap that hard hat for a trilby. And remember, it’s summer, so no felt - straw is much more breathable for your scalp.
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