Bookmans Employees Stage One-Day Strike Amid Ongoing Contract Negotiations
Employees from Bookmans Entertainment Exchange locations in Flagstaff and Tucson participated in a one-day strike over the weekend. This action comes in response to prolonged contract negotiations that followed the unionization of three Arizona stores last year.
The union accuses management of not prioritizing the contract discussions, specifically pointing out the lack of progress in areas such as wages and benefits. Long-time employee Matthew Christiansen, who has been with Bookmans for nearly three decades, joined approximately 50 others on the picket line. “Being here this long, I truly remember when it was better for us. You know, when they did put us first, when they cared about us,” Christiansen shared, emphasizing his motive to support future employees.
In contrast, Bookmans management expressed surprise at the strike, labeling it as unforeseen given the ongoing negotiations. They highlighted their efforts to make concessions and their commitment to reaching a fair agreement. A statement read, “This action was completely unexpected as negotiations are ongoing, and substantial progress has been made. And in the vast majority of areas where the parties have not yet reached agreement, we have made concessions in a good faith effort to do so. We look forward to continuing to work with the Union, negotiating in good faith, and reaching a fair and sustainable agreement that will be in the best interests of our dedicated staff, loyal customers and Bookmans as a whole.”
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 99, representing the employees, voiced concerns about the protracted nature of the negotiation process, attributing it to the flexibility of federal labor laws. A union spokesperson emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, “We know that if we come out here, we stand with our community members, we stand with our fellow workers, that we can secure a fair agreement.”
Among the employees involved in negotiations, Tony Taurman expressed his disappointment over the necessity of the strike. “It saddens my heart that we’ve got to be out here today. I’d rather be in there helping my community, like I would rather be doing my job than doing this right now,” Taurman commented. He described the strike as a significant signal to management about the seriousness of their demands, adding, “We’re not trying to bleed them dry. We’re just asking for fair.”
The unionization efforts began last summer with workers at Bookmans Tucson East, followed by employees in Flagstaff, and later at Bookmans River in Tucson in the fall.
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