Renowned Melbourne bookstore in war of words with authors over ‘traumatic’ pay dispute

Readings boss sends angry rebuke after more than 250 writers campaigned for better pay and conditions for booksellers

For many Melburnians, Readings is more than just a bookstore - it's a bricks-and-mortar embodiment of progressive values, a business that doubles as a community space where ideas are shared and diversity is celebrated.

But an ongoing pay dispute has divided staff and threatens to tarnish the independent retail stalwart's image, with hundreds of authors - such as Michelle de Kretser, Jennifer Down, Clementine Ford and Omar Sakr - recently campaigning on behalf of booksellers, and protesting outside the company's flagship Carlton store.