We interrupt this lovely readalong for more HarperCollins union news.
Namely, the union is on strike. HarperCollins, the second largest publishing house in the United States, has made record profits (in the billions) but refuses to pay its employees a living wage or negotiate in good faith. Unlike the one-day strike earlier this year, this will be an open-ended strike, to last until a fair, good-faith contract is agreed upon.
I cannot overstate the implications here. HarperCollins is a 200-year-old behemoth with over 120 imprints, owned by billionaire Rupert Murdoch. You have reads books from this company, I guarantee it. You have enjoyed movies and TV shows spawned by this company. The workers striking at the blood and sweat responsible for launching those properties you love. And as Harper goes, so goes the rest of the industry. If we raise the living standards for one, so the pressure increases on other companies to raise it for all.
The Harper Union need your support. They have a full thread here, but here’s the gist of what they’re asking:
EVERYONE:
- Donate to the strike fund if you can
- Politely email Harper’s HR (peopleteam@harpercollins.com) and the CEO (brian.murphy@harpercollins.com) to express your support for the strike and the union.
- Boost their message on social media and among your social circles (here are some assets you can use to do that)
- If you are in the NY metro area, come join the picket line at 195 Broadway in Manhattan!
BLOGGERS/REVIEWERS/BOOKSTAGRAMMERS/BOOKTOKERS:
- If possible, please hold all reviews of Harper titles until the strike is over. (And I would add, if you feel comfortable doing so, tell Harper why.)
FREELANCERS/INDUSTRY HOPEFULS:
- Don’t be a scab. Don’t take new freelance projects or temporary positions while the strike is ongoing.
BOOKSTORES/BOOKSELLERS:
- Share the “I Stand With” graphic
- Print and distribute the union bookmark at your store
AUTHORS/AGENTS:
- Do not submit or sign new contracts to Harper until the union’s own contract is finalized.
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Please note they are not asking for a boycott on Harper titles. A boycott would harm the authors, who have nothing to do with this, so the union is explicitly requesting no boycott.
Also, please do not @ Harper social accounts to yell at them. Direct all feedback to that peopleteam email. The majority of folks watching those accounts are out on the picket line anyways, and their managers have already been warned that, as non-union members, they risk termination if voice any public support for the strike.
For more info, check out the union’s accounts on Twitter and Instagram. I also recommend this Twitter thread for some hard facts and figures.
Want something you can share on TikTok? Check out Carmen’s video here.
