Various Barnes and Noble stores around the United States have filed for union representation during the past year, as workers seek higher wages and greater employee protections regarding safety. Workers at six locations voted in approval of joining a union last year, and pro-union workers state that a nationwide drive to get union representation at stores will begin this year. The six different locations are represented by different unions, with the New York City locations being represented by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. Employees state that the company’s CEO expressed his opposition to unionization, and has tried at the six locations to dissuade workers from supporting union organization efforts. Workers also state that contract negotiations at these stores have been moving at a slow pace as the company has intentionally tried to slow down negotiations.
See "Six Barnes and Noble stores unionized in the past year, other stores around the country are expected to file for union representation this year", Michael Sainato, The Guardian, April 10, 2024