Catherwood LibraryILR School

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is one of the largest shopping days of the year and businesses generate millions of dollars of revenue from the holiday. In the state of Washington, over four hundred Macy’s workers went on strike during Black Friday and began picketing in front of Macy’s stores at 3 am. The United Food and Commercial Workers International union represents these Macy’s employees and stated that workers were striking over labor violations and Macy’s failure to agree on a new contract with the union. Workers allege that Macy’s has not been bargaining in good faith, and the company retaliated and intimidated an employee because the employee called the police over shoplifting in the store. The union is seeking wage increases and improved store security to better protect workers. Workers voted in approval of strike authorization in October, with 96% supporting strike action.