RWDSU Local 3 Opens Contract Negotiations with Bloomingdale’s (2/14/08)

Union and company representatives met yesterday to begin contract discussions
for members of RWDSU Local 3 who work at Bloomingdale’s flagship store in
Manhattan. The current contract expires on March 31, with an automatic
extension to May 1, 2008.

At the meeting, the union presented its proposals to the company with the
company agreeing to forward their proposals before the next meeting. No date
has been set for the next meeting.

Both company and union representatives expressed a mutual desire to reach an
agreement that respects the interests of members and the company.

“We want to be involved in a negotiating process that is fair and we need to
feel that the company has regard for what we do,” said RWDSU Local 3 President
Ida Torres.

“Local 3 has the full support of the RWDSU during these negotiations,” said
RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum. “The outcome of these negotiations are
important not just for the members who work at Bloomingdale’s but for all
workers employed in retail in New York.”

Approximately 2,500 Local 3 members are employed at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street location in Manhattan.