2007-04-22
UnionWiki.org
Introducing UnionWiki.org — a place to start organizing labor, online!
2003-12-09
Adventure at the DIA Tuesday, December 2nd
Borders workers hope CEO Greg J enjoyed his holiday
reception and award from the Kellogg School of
Business Alumni Club at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
We had a welcoming party outside waving picket signs
and trying to hand out fliers. Not many of the guests
seemed to appreciate our hospitality. Few guests took
our fliers and many went well out of their way to
avoid us. That was okay with us because we knew that
friends of ours were inside distributing mock
brochures that appeared to be invitations to the
reception but were in fact discussions of Borders
union busting. Guests gratefully received them as
they went in from a greeter who they took to be the
real thing, sometimes making snide comments about the
picketers outside. Overall we were surprised at the
turnout as only thirty or so came to Greg’s reception.
We hope Greg wasn’t disappointed.
2003-12-03
We've moved the website.
We've moved the website.
Our new site is located at http://bordersreadersunited.a2wc.org/. Please update your bookmarks.
If you were pulling our RSS feed, that has changed too. The new site has a few feeds, read the rss feed page for more details.
Thanks to another wonderful supporter!
2003-11-26
Buy Nothing Day!
This Friday is AdBusters' official Buy Nothing Day (http://adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd/). This year, there's no better place to buy nothing than in front of Borders! Join the picket line Friday and Saturday in Ann Arbor or leaflet at a Borders near you.
2003-11-19
Learn the truth about Borders' spin
An update on negotiations:
The union offered Borders three dates in November for negotiation, which Borders refused. The earliest date that Borders offered was December 1st, which the union accepted. HOWEVER, Borders corporate has said that they are still not willing to negotiate on the actual CONTRACT. (They are only willing to negotiate on minor work rules which they are seeking to implement outside of a binding contract.)
The claim by Anne Roman that "We remain open to negotiating at any time with the union and would love to resolve this quickly" is obviously not borne out by their actions and communications with the union.
Please continue to put pressure on Borders Inc. to negotiate a fair contract with the union NOW! Click here to see what you can do, including writing letters to the editors of local papers demanding that Borders' actions conform to the messages they are putting out to the public.
2003-11-17
Let's Get This Straight: They're What?
This is from a supporter:
"Thought you might be interested to read the response I got from customer care just now, which states that you have not contacted them to negotiate. Hmmmm..... They think they're waiting for you and you're waiting for them. Quite the quandary. Worry not, I won't be shopping there until you stop picketing!"
Letter from corporate Binc
Three quick points on the latest corporate spin:
(1) Borders is waiting for us to ask them to negotiate? But the Union contacted them a week ago offering various negotiating times. Anyway, let's try again. Is this clear enough:
(2) Borders' last proposal to the Union eliminated both the merchandise credit and the 33% employee discount. How they lie to their customers!
(3) Don't get fooled by their numbers. The average wage at Store 01 reflects the fact that several very long-time employees (like Hal Brannan who has worked there 18 years and is now on strike) are at the top of the pay scale. These employees inflate the average. More revealing is the fact that two of our striking workers who have worked at the store over 2 and 3 years respectively both make less than $8 per hour. (Names of employees withheld to avoid management recrimination; after all, if they can fire someone for eating a bagel...).
NEGOTIATE NOW!!!
(2) Borders' last proposal to the Union eliminated both the merchandise credit and the 33% employee discount. How they lie to their customers!
(3) Don't get fooled by their numbers. The average wage at Store 01 reflects the fact that several very long-time employees (like Hal Brannan who has worked there 18 years and is now on strike) are at the top of the pay scale. These employees inflate the average. More revealing is the fact that two of our striking workers who have worked at the store over 2 and 3 years respectively both make less than $8 per hour. (Names of employees withheld to avoid management recrimination; after all, if they can fire someone for eating a bagel...).The Truth About Border is Spreading
Sign the petition, we are at 1486 signatures from all over the country and some across the world.
We have had nearly 4100 visitors to this website!
Keep spreading the message of Borders Unfair Labor Practices! Boycott Borders, Waldenbooks and Amazon.com!
2003-11-16
Day 10 & Still Waiting: Borders Ready to Negotiate?
On Monday (11/10/03) Borders spokeswoman Anne Roman was quoted in the Daily saying, "We remain open to negotiating at any time with the union and would love to resolve this quickly." On Tuesday (11/11) the Union contacted Borders offering various times open for negotiation.
Borders silent for 144 hours
E-mail Borders at ccare@bordersstores.com and call them at 1-800-477-1100 and tell them to back up their words with action.From an email sent to us!
Hey there!
Although I don't know much about your struggle, and am not always pro-union, I AM an ex-Borders employee (including being a Human Resources Assistant Manager at an A-level store), and thought you could use these:
In 1994, the starting wage at Borders was $6.10 an hour.
In 2000, when I left, it was $6.50 an hour.
And it STILL is $6.50.
An increase of only 6 1/2% in over NINE YEARS. Compare that to inflation, and regardless of the "industry comparisons", they are NOT paying a living wage.
More of the email
2003-11-15
New chants and songs!
How do you know that girl is fine? She won't cross a picket line.
How do you know that guy is cool? He's no picket-crossing fool.
What did my mama teach me? Never cross a picket line.
And what do we say to Borders? Borders, it is contract time!
Click here for more chants and new songs from the Raging Grannies Without Borders! Don't miss fabulous new lyrics by Brian (everything from Outkast to the Beatles!).
2003-11-14
Michigan Daily op/ed
Viewpoint: An open letter to Borders President Tami Heim
By Irfan Nooruddin
November 14, 2003
2003-11-13
Michigan Daily op/eds
Holding firm: Continued support required in Borders strike
By The Michigan Daily
Viewpoint: Borders not the responsible company it used to be
By Charlie Murphy
2003-11-12
Mobloggin'--new BRU Mobile Blog!
Props to textamerica for hosting the new Borders Readers United Mobile Blog! Check it out at: http://borders.textamerica.com
To post images to the page, just send an email to borders.readers@tamw.com with the image as an attachment. Type the title text as the subject and type a description in the body of the message.
Textamerica is the latest of our online supporters.
Retail is the new blue-collar
via Brian Kerr:
"...(R)etail is the new blue-collar...
You see, (ideally) a couple of successes at Borders could set off a resonance cascade of organization and somewhat humane contracts spanning from McDonald’s to Wal-Mart"
2003-11-10
With a little help from a friend.
If you can help,
donate to the Borders Workers Hardship Fund
In Solidarity, Borders Readers United with Borders Workers Union
Police tied up at Borders, while Einsteins is robbed
While Borders has called the police over 21 times in two days for various contentions with the non-violent strikers, Einstein Bagels around the corner was being robbed at 7pm on Sunday night!
Throw out your EGC's!
This customer was stuck in traffic hearing our protest outside of Borders. He showered me with Borders electronic gift cards and said he would never cross a picket line and supported the strikers! Yeah for Ann Arbor and the support we are getting every day!
2003-11-09
Workers Call Strike for this Saturday, 11.08.03
From the Organizing Committee:
Workers at Borders Books store #1 in Ann Arbor, MI will go on strike this Saturday, November 8 at 9:00 AM. We do not take this step lightly. By striking, we hope to convince Borders Management to negotiate with us in good faith so we can reach a fair contract and return to our jobs.
We are writing to ask you to continue to support us by
1) boycotting all Borders, Waldenbooks, and Amazon.com;
2) volunteering to picket with workers in front of the store;
3) joining Borders Readers United, our community support coalition (bru@riseup.net)
4) calling Borders Headquarters (734-477-1100) to tell them you support us;
5) coming to our Strike Fund Concert at the Ark in Ann Arbor on 11/10/03;
6) signing an online petition
7) forwarding this message to all your friends and colleagues!
In Solidarity and thanks,
Borders Workers Union Organizing Committee
More detailed information follows:
***************************
Long-term Borders employee Hal Brannan says this:
After working at Borders for 18 years and trying to negotiate for nearly a year, now I must take a drastic step. At Store # 1, my coworkers and I have been hoping for a reasonable contract offer, but all we were offered was the employee handbook with the added risk of losing some things. We were hoping Borders would settle our claims of Unfair Labor Practices and turn over a new leaf; but Borders has seen fit to settle with the NLRB while continuing to intimidate and harass us. We see a strike as the last option we have to get Borders to adopt a new attitude. We need you to come to our picket line to show your support.
Outrageous!!
Outrageous!!
Carmen Harlan from Channel 4 crossed our picket line with her family. Who knows, maybe she is doing a story. We can forgive a journalist a little leeway in pursuit of a story...
You can drop Carmen a line at carmenh@clickondetroit.com to let her know how you feel.
Burger King Workers Support!!
Burger King Workers Support!!
BRU member, Michele M, went to Burger King looking for plastic buckets to use as drums on the picket line. When the workers asked what was going on, Michele told them about the Borders strike, i.e. the union-busting, low pay etc. The Burger King workers were shocked to find out the starting salary and exclaimed that they make more even though they didn't go to high school. They pledged their support and urged us to "BANG ON THOSE DRUMS!!" Thank you to Miss K and the other workers for the buckets and the encouraging words.
2003-11-08
A Concise History of Union Busting at Borders
Ready to STRIKE!
Ready to STRIKE!
Worker Testimonial
Gayle Stuhrberg - 6.5 years
"Once upon a time, I so enjoyed working at Borders, that I hardly noticed the pathetic compensation here. But you know, when managment sets about creating a hostile work environment, when I don't have the same job satisfaction, its pretty hard to continue subsidising Borders. And that is exactly what we're doing when we receive less than a living wage. That difference is a subsidy that retail, IT and service workers across the country provide to feed the voracious appetite of Corporate America.
Borders, when you take away the intangibles that have kept me at Borders for over 6.5 years, you are going to provide me better compensation.
Leave your footprints at the door and not on the backs of your frontline workers."
Worker Testimonial
Dustin Kratovich - 1.5 years - Multimedia seller Store #1
"I'm hoping that I am not here because it's my personal problem, nor because I am so naive to believe that Binc will become a good company that respects its employees when this is said and done. No, I'm here because giant corporations don't respect their "lackeys," and it's sick. Unions are a step in the right direction. The people must organize if any change is to be implemented. Corporations control everything and unions provide a step towards giving control of the world back to the common man."
Ex-Worker Testimonial
Blair Sanderson - Borders Alumni 17rs, out 1year
Blair SHOUTS OUT
"Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho, Union Busting has got to go"
"The Workers - United - will never be defeated"
"What do we want? CONTRACT! - When do we want it? NOW!"
Workers out on the picket line
Heidi
Adonia and Allison
Support in Texas
Hi there,
Joshua Freeze from the IWW in Austin TX here. We're planning a picket to
support you and wanted to get a little information.
Solidarity,
Joshua
Worker Testimonial
Allison N. worker since 1998
"I am involved in this union drive because I believe it is the only way to give power back to the workers. Borders has been incredibly difficult and unwilling to negotiate or bargain in good faith since we voted 51-4 to form a union. I am willing to do whatever I legally can to support my co-workers and the rights of workers here and elsewhere. Change must begin somewhere, this is as good a place as any."
Worker Testimonial
Dave Patt, worker since 1998
"I am doing this for myself and for my coworkers. The right to form unions is a fundamental right necessary for the welfare of workers. Borders has shown again and again how little respect they have for this right and for their workers who are exercising it."
Strike Supporters on the line!
Ron Lare who is from UAW Local 600 - the Rouge Plant was here to support the strike!
Kim Hunter, all the way from Detroit!
Other news, we stopped a supply truck for the cafe from stopping and unloading its cargo!! Yea. (this is on top of the fact that the UPS driver refuses to cross the line!)
Support from great places!
Emerson School cancelled a special buying night for the 2nd time!!! This event has brought in $40,000 in a three hour period. Yea!!
The mail carrier refused to cross the picketline at made management come out to pick up the mail! Yea to their UNION!
Boycott Amazon!!
Hey everybody. love the blog and support you 100%. We pulled our Amazon.com affiliate links from our B-Movie pageand replaced them with a link to the Borders Union info page. Keep fighting the good fight! We're with ya!
Brady Carlson - LivingIndefinately.com
Thanks Brady! Added you to the list of online supporters
WORKER TESTIMONIAL
Adonia Arteaga – worked at Borders since July 1999
"From the time we started organizing, over a year ago, Borders has continually harassed and intimidated us as a union. They have refused to bargain during our negotiation meetings. They have continued to cut staff and increase our workload by making changes to our job duties and working conditions. It’s time for Borders Union to take a stand against corporate greed, not just for us but for all retail workers. We want a living wage, job security and affordable heath care. We want to maintain the integrity of Borders as an outstanding book, music, video and café retailer. The only way for that to happen is for Borders Inc. to respect its employees and give us a fair contract!"
No Thanks Borders!
From across the street...
STRIKE Images
Images from the strike 2:26 pm.
STRIKE car! 
STRIKE dog!
STRIKE line!
STRIKE morality!
STRIKE dog!
STRIKE line!
STRIKE morality!
STRIKE #1 at STORE #1
Here are some pictures - most from 9:15 am
This will be a place for workers at the store to tell a quick story about what is happening all day. Trying to move live webloging (Heliblog, etc) to some good work. Like Vivos Voco did with the Immigrant Freedom Ride
It is real loud out there, off I go! Radical Cheerleaders are coming!
2003-11-07
Worker Testimonial
Long-term Borders employee Hal Brannan says this:
"After working at Borders for 18 years and trying to negotiate for nearly a year, now I must take a drastic step. At Store # 1, my coworkers and I have been hoping for a reasonable contract offer, but all we were offered was the employee handbook with the added risk of losing some things. We were hoping Borders would settle our claims of Unfair Labor Practices and turn over a new leaf; but Borders has seen fit to settle with the NLRB while continuing to intimidate and harass us. We see a strike as the last option we have to get Borders to adopt a new attitude. We need you to come to our picket line to show your support."
Workers Testimonials, collected
Dale
Hal Brannan
Adonia Arteaga – worked at Borders since July 1999
Dave Patt, worker since 1998
Allison N. worker since
Laura, worker since
Blair Sanderson - Borders Alumni 17rs, out 1 year
Dustin Kratovich - 1.5 years - Multimedia seller Store #1
Gayle Stuhrberg - 6.5 years
New office for Borders' Readers United and Borders' Workers Union
Contact Information:
Borders Readers United email: bru@riseup.net
Tel: 734.995.9974
527 E. Liberty Suite 203, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Mail checks made out to "Borders Workers" to: Borders Workers, PO Box 7383, Ann Arbor, MI 48107
Sign up to help with Picket Shifts
Please add your name and contact information in the comments section below to sign up for picket shifts!
The support is at times overwhelming. Solidarity! Borders Workers.
Borders Books Strike & Boycott
(copy this to an email message and forward to others)
From workers at Borders Books in Ann Arbor:
Workers at Borders Books store #1 in Ann Arbor, MI are on strike as of Saturday, November 8, at 9:00 AM. We do not take this step lightly. By striking, we hope to convince Borders Management to negotiate with us in good faith so we can reach a fair contract and return to our jobs.
We are writing to ask you to support us by
1) boycotting all Borders, Waldenbooks, and Amazon.com;
2) signing an online petition: http://BordersReadersUnited.2ya.com
3) calling Borders Headquarters (734-477-1100) to tell them you support us;
4) forwarding this message to all your friends and colleagues!
5) leafleting at a Borders near you (email us at bru@riseup.net and we'll find you help!)
If you're near Ann Arbor, you can also support us by:
6) volunteering to picket with workers in front of the store! (9am-11pm M-Sa, 9am-9pm Sun)
7) joining Borders Readers United, our community support coalition (email bru@riseup.net for info)
8) writing letters to the editors of the Ann Arbor News and the Michigan Daily (email directly letters@michigandaily.com in support of the striking workers and asking why Borders won't negotiate in good faith
In solidarity and thanks,
Borders Workers Union Organizing Committee
Complete information, updates, and pictures at:
http://bordersreadersunited.blogspot.com/
The Fliers we are using, please download and circulate!
National campaign: Flyer (PDF, 4MB) Letter from unionized Borders workers to non-unionized workers, to quietly give to Borders workers before you start leafletting (PDF) Local (Ann Arbor) flyers: Latest informational flyer (JPG) Previous flyer: Info side (PDF) Poster side (PDF) Pre-strike flyer: Info side (PDF) Poster side (PDF)
2003-11-06
Pictures
2003-11-04
Borders Home Office Lays Off 12; Ann Arbor Store to Strike
People's Voice for Social Justice articles
From People's Voice for Social Justice, Vol. 3, No. 10, November 2003
Borders' Struggle Part of Larger Movement
--Borders Workers Union Organizing Committee
It is probably old news to you that the Borders store on E. Liberty formed a union this past December with over 90% worker support vote and has been in stagnant contract negotiations with Borders Corporate ever since. Most recently, workers rejected Borders’ grossly inadequate proposal and authorized action up to and including a strike.
Click here for the full article.
Borders Crossing the Line
By Jim Mogensen
In December of 2002, workers at the Borders Bookstore #1 in downtown Ann Arbor voted 51 to 4 in favor of forming a union. United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local No. 876 now represents the employees. Borders management and the workers have failed to reach a contract agreement and the employees have voted to authorize a strike. The union has filed charges of unfair labor practices against the company with the National Labor Relations Board.
Click here for the full article.
Radical Cheerleader Cheers
RADICAL CHEERLEADERS CHEERS:
30) Acka backa: My back is achin My bra's too tight My booty's shakin From the left to the right Shout it out, revolution! Shout it out, support the union! Enough is enough We all must rise up Didn't eat today No place to stay So kiss the back o' my butt Uh! Kiss the back o' my butt Uh! Kiss the back o' my Kiss the back o' my Kiss the back o' my butt Uh! My acka backa, you’re a soda cracker your money your jobs Your institutions that never listen To the people's needs It's all about greed -- I Said Beep beep beep Take your voice to the street! 31) You Ugly U-G-L-Y Corporate scum you cheat you lie you ugly uh uh you ugly uh huh! G-R-E-E-D Corporation you don't fool me you greedy uh uh you greedy uh huh! E-V-I-L Money won't save you from hell you evil uh uh you evil uh huh! R-U-I-N Poverty wages have to end you ruin uh uh you ruin uh huh! Y-L-G-U You are ugly backwards too you ugly uh uh you ugly uh huh! F-R-E-E That is what we need to see our freedom uh uh our freedom uh huh! More Cheers!
30) Acka backa: My back is achin My bra's too tight My booty's shakin From the left to the right Shout it out, revolution! Shout it out, support the union! Enough is enough We all must rise up Didn't eat today No place to stay So kiss the back o' my butt Uh! Kiss the back o' my butt Uh! Kiss the back o' my Kiss the back o' my Kiss the back o' my butt Uh! My acka backa, you’re a soda cracker your money your jobs Your institutions that never listen To the people's needs It's all about greed -- I Said Beep beep beep Take your voice to the street! 31) You Ugly U-G-L-Y Corporate scum you cheat you lie you ugly uh uh you ugly uh huh! G-R-E-E-D Corporation you don't fool me you greedy uh uh you greedy uh huh! E-V-I-L Money won't save you from hell you evil uh uh you evil uh huh! R-U-I-N Poverty wages have to end you ruin uh uh you ruin uh huh! Y-L-G-U You are ugly backwards too you ugly uh uh you ugly uh huh! F-R-E-E That is what we need to see our freedom uh uh our freedom uh huh! More Cheers!
2003-11-03
Chants
Chants
1) I like books, not corporate crooks!
2) Books are for readers, not corporate bleeders!
3) We’re fired up – won’t take no more!
4) On strike, shut it down, Ann Arbor is a union town!
5) El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido! The workers, united, will never be defeated!
6) What do we want? Contract! When do we want it? Now!
7) Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho - Union busting’s got to go!
8) When I say union, you say power…
Union! Power!
When I say power, you say union…
Power! Union!
9) They say cut back…
We say fight back!
(vary speed)
10) 1, 2, 3, 4 We know what we’re out here for!
5, 6, 7, 8 Borders, now negotiate!
2, 4, 6, 8 Come on now negotiate!
3, 5, 7, 9 Borders Books, it’s contract time!
11) No Work – No Peace
No Justice - No Peace
No Jobs - No Peace
12) Who’s got the power?
We got the power.
What kind of power?
Union power!!!!
13) Escucha, Escucha
Estamos en la lucha!!!
(translation: Listen, Listen, We're all in the struggle.)
14) What’s disgusting?
Union busting!!!
What’s outrageous?
Border’s wages!!!
15) Stop! Everyone listen
workers here are on a mission.
wages, fairness
contract, voice
come on Borders it's your choice!
16) Just say no to Border’s lies
Defend our right to organize!!!
17) Does _____ unload the truck?
No! We unload the truck!
(greg, tami, steve, jim…)
… shelve the books?
… help the customer?
… make the coffee?
Who does the work?
We do the work!
18) Hey Borders, corporate greed
Hey workers, human need.
caller: corporate greed!
chanters: NO!
All: Human need!
19) Is this not the worker's side?
Yes this is the worker's side!
Is that not the boss's side?
Yes that is the boss's side!
Is this not a strike floor?
Yes it is a strike floor!
Is that not a closed door?
Yes that is a closed door!
Is this not a picket line?
Yes this is a picket line!
Is it not contract time?
Yes this is contract time!
Worker's side! (worker's side!)
Boss's side! (boss's side!)
Strike floor! (strike floor!)
Closed door! (closed door!)
20) We are the union (We are the union)
Mighty, mighty union (Mighty, mighty union)
Everywhere we go (Everywhere we go)
People want to know (People want to know)
Who we are (Who we are)
So we tell them (So we tell them)
(go to beginning)
21) Hey Borders, it’s about time
What you pay us is a crime
Hey Borders, hear our cry
We need a contract, that’s no lie.
Online supporters
Thanks Mar
Thanks Brian
Thanks Elias
Thanks BordersUnion.org
Thanks Brady
Thanks Cyndy
Thanks Lisa
Thanks Howard
Thanks Brian
Thanks DailyKos
Thanks Retail Worker
Thanks InfoShop
Thanks Edward
Thanks Paul
Thanks Nathan
Thanks Joseph
Thanks Kristin
Thanks IMC
Thanks Text America
Thanks White Rose Society
Thanks Marh
Thanks Rob
Thanks Liana
Thanks Rachel
Thanks Todd
Thanks Common Monkeyflower
Thanks Diana
2003-11-02
Jobs With Justice
Borders Workers received recognition for their struggle for a fair contract at last evenings annual dinner.
Other work Jobs with Justice is doing in SE Michigan.
2003-11-01
Borders Union Strike Fund Benefit
Borders Union Strike Fund Benefit
Monday November 10 - 8 pm - $20 The Ark
After nearly a year of negotiations, workers at the downtown Borders book store host a concert to create a fund to help support workers in the event of a strike. Performers include moving folk troubadour Chris Buhalis, socially consious folk songwriter Jay Stielstra, poetic psychedelic folk rock band The Buzzrats and fiery rock band FUBAR.
Funds will be donated to the shelters for the homeless and the Ann Arbor Hunger Coalition if a strike is avoided.
listing in Current
(no one will be turned away)
Website Menu
Borders Readers United
Sign the Petition (previous)
Petitions to download
Fliers to download
Look at pictures
Worker Testimonials
Email message to forward
Contact Info
BordersUnion.org
If you can help, donate to the Borders Workers Hardship Fund Internet stuffVote on Logo
One of the workers in the store brought up the question of the best logo to you, so without having decided a timeline, which one should we use? When should we decide by? Vote in the comments section below, no login needed.
or have it read:
Find Out
BINC*
Injustice Greed Disrespect
and below the image?
*BINC = Borders Inc.
Vote on which logo to use and then, if you can help:
or have it read:
Find Out
BINC*
Injustice Greed Disrespect
and below the image?
*BINC = Borders Inc.
Vote on which logo to use and then, if you can help:
2003-10-31
Other UFCW news
Grocery workers in Arizona won't be adding their numbers to the 83,000 workers currently on strike via Retail Worker
2003-10-29
Rally on Friday...
In front of Borders on Liberty
Quarter Sheet Flyer Front
Quarter Sheet Flyer Back
2003-10-28
RALLY ON WEDNESDAY!
RALLY ON WEDNESDAY!
For all workers and supporters!
via GEO and LEO
2003-10-23
Borders Inc Agrees to Settle Unfair Labor Practices with Union
BORDERS, INC. AGREES TO SETTLE UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES WITH UNION (UFCW)
Madison Heights, MI--Borders, Inc. yesterday settled the unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), over its unlawful conduct at its downtown Ann Arbor, MI store. These unfair labor practice charges included:
• illegally subcontracting the cleaning and maintenance work at its downtown Ann Arbor facility to an outside firm without prior notice or bargaining with the union (UFCW Local 876);
• unlawfully insisting that the union agree to the elimination of the cleaning crew from the store as a condition in reaching a collective bargaining agreement;
• unlawfully suspending and discharging a union supporter;
• unlawfully interrogating employees about the union organizing drive;
• unlawfully threatening employees with discipline if they discuss discipline with other employees;
• unlawfully instituting more onerous working conditions.
On December 6, 2002, over 93% of the Borders downtown Ann Arbor, MI store employees voted for union representation with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 876. On October 6, 2003, UFCW Local 876 represented employees at the Borders store in downtown Ann Arbor overwhelmingly rejected the company's last contract proposal, which included no improvement in wages and benefits, and voted to authorize a strike. One of the reasons the workers authorized a strike was because of Borders' unfair labor practices. A strike continues to be imminent.
UFCW Local 876 Secretarty-Treasurer Victoria Collins said:
"We are glad that Borders downtown Ann Arbor store has decided to settle the unfair labor practice charges against it. However, the Borders' unfair labor practices continue to have a serious impact on our negotiations. We will be closely monitoring Borders' activities to make sure that they comply with the Settlement Agreement and that they remedy each and every unfair labor practice that they have committed. Without a fair contract, a strike is still imminent. Our fight for a fair contract is far from over and the workers overwhelmingly support a strike."
Hal Brannan,an eighteen-year Borders employee and a member of the union bargaining committee stated: "The fact that Borders has finally told the NLRB that it will stop breaking the law doesn't change the fact that it has not offered to pay thier workers a living wage, provided affordable benefits or give them respect on the job. We hope that Borders will stop violating the law and will bargain a fair contract. The workers at the downtown Ann Arbor store are united and determined to do whatever it takes to see these negotiations through."
UFCW Local 876 represents over 22,000 wokers throughout Michigan. Local 876 is seeking strike authorization from the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union. Once authorization is recieved, the workers at the downtown Ann Arbor Borders store my engage in an unfair labor practice strike at any time thereafter.
2003-10-22
Letter to the Editor - Borders treats employees fairly, acting ‘in good faith’
Letter to the Editor - Borders treats employees fairly, acting ‘in good faith’
Letter to the Editor, Michigan Daily
Report from Borders in London
Report from Borders in London
Billy Bragg news:
He had started early so by the time we got there at 6.25 it was in full swing and sarah was right at the front. I managed to get through and give her a rosie t-shirt to put on. (apologies again to people whose enjoyment of the gig was disturbed!)
I didn't expect him to comment until the end but as i got back to Alberr, who was looking after the rest of the t-shirts, Billy had started to talk about Borders and Ann Arbor! So i grabbed a t-shirt from my bag and pushed my way to the front again. I threw the t-shirt over the little barrier, he picked it up and said 'this is the t-shirt i am going to wear when i am over there in November' And then he read out the text about a living wage!
2003-10-08
Hello Educators,
This weekend (October 10,11 and 12) is Educator Appreciation Weekend at Borders Books, when educators can get a 25% discount at Borders bookstores nationwide, as well as 40% off on cafe items. (There's no restrictions on the books subject to the discount, i.e. it's not just education-related books!) If you want to support Borders workers this weekend, you can take advantage of the discount AND take these three easy steps: 1. Sign the Petition, and 2. Download this flyer and give it to a salesperson at Borders (pdf), and 3. Ask your union or association to sign on as a supporting organization (doc). Send back here
Borders Workers Treated to Bread and Roses
Borders Workers Treated to Bread and Roses
Following the Border’s Workers Union’s rejection of management contract last Sunday, community members continue to rally daily in support of the workers. via MichiganImc, also see their coverage on Community Support Mounting for Borders Workers Union
Billy Bragg fans are awesome!!
Billy Bragg fans are awesome!!
My friends are going to the London in-store wearing these shirts. Send the Borders workers their love and solidarity please. Mine too.
Love Barb
Employees Reject Contract
Borders' proposal declined by union via MichiganDaily
Our Allies are coming to town!!!
November 11, Billy Bragg and Tom Morello in Concert. Royal Oak Music Theater, 4th Street in Royal Oak, Michigan
This tour is in support of the upcoming FTAA protests in Miami in late November. Sponsored in part by the National AFL-CIO. The union movement is mobilizing to protest the expansion of the Free Trade of the Americas trade agreement, which is good for nobody but huge corporations.
A good reason to gather, and the music will be sublime. Steve Earle will not be on this leg of the trip as we hoped, he has a previously scheduled gig in Detroit a week before, he won't join the Billy tour till the next day. Don't let it stop you, Billy is always wonderful. Tom Morello is the guitarist from the bands Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. He is a long-time supporter of union causes, particularly UNITE. Tickets will go on sale soon, watch the Metro Times and your inbox for more details.
2003-10-06
New Image
2003-10-04
New office for Borders' Readers United and Borders' Workers Union
Contact Information:
Borders Readers United email
734.995.9974
527 E. Liberty Suite 203, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
2003-10-02
Petition downloads:
Petition downloads:
For the Religious Community here
For Union support here
For community petition: here
2003-10-01
Employee Info
- Employees News Borders #1 vs Binc, here
- Employee national site: BordersUnion.com
Borders News in Minneapolis
Borders News in Minneapolis
Borders Books Workers Unanimously Reject Contract Offer via BordersUnion
2003-09-30
The Flier we are using, please download and circulate!
2003-09-28
Pictures!
From the excellent rally from Tuesday night and the first ever (that I know of) Viral Circular Boycott.
Fliering at Farmers Market
Protesters rally for Borders workers via The Michigan Daily
By Adam Rosen, Daily Staff Reporter
September 24, 2003
Protesters said Borders has deliberately sought to keep its employees non-unionized and punished them when they voted to unionize by a 92 percent vote last December.
2003-09-27
SUNDAY ACTION
1pm in front of the store.
Yes, Sunday - September 28.
See you there! ;-)
Saturday Morning
Ok - I got the site up, barely!
the short url works - bordersreadersunited.2ya.com - need to make a link to that free service, as well as ofoto and textamerica
SATURDAY MORNING in a few minutes fliering Farmers Market! Yea!
SATURDAY AFTERNOON 3-4 at the store on Liberty
2003-09-25
Welcome to our new site ;-)
2003-09-24
Side Bar needs
Viral Circular Boycott
Petitions
Actions
Join/Endorse BRU
Donations
Fliers
Facts
BordersUnion.org
UFCW.org
