HarperCollins union workers go on strike over pay ‘for as long as it takes’

Workers at the only big four' publisher to have a union authorize indefinite strike over low wages and diversity

Stephanie Guerdan started working in the children's book department of HarperCollins Publishers six years ago. It was a dream job - just not a dream paycheck. The $33,500-a-year (28,750) salary was well below a livable wage in New York City, but Guerdan didn't ask for more. I was terrified that I was not going to get that job if I negotiated," they said. Publishing is very much an industry where they tell you, If you don't want this, there are 500 people in line behind you who do.'"

Publishing has for decades has been known for its low pay and overwhelmingly white staff. But workers at HarperCollins, the only member of the big four" publishing houses to have a union, have had enough and authorized an indefinite strike. Work stopped at the downtown Manhattan offices on the sunny morning of 10 November. Employees like Guerdan, who is a shop steward at the union, spilled on to the streets to picket.