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Local 1-S Macy's Workers Vote to Authorize Strike (2/20/06)

RWDSU Local 1-S, representing over 3,500 Macy’s New York sales associates and store support positions, today announced that its members employed by Macy’s Federated Department Stores have voted to authorize a strike should a job action become necessary to obtain a fair and decent contract. Local 1-S currently represents workers in Macy’s Herald Square, Bronx, Queens and White Plains stores.

Local 1-S members voted overwhelmingly by a 98 to 2 percent margin in support of a strike authorization. A strike would occur if a new contract is not agreed upon by the current deadline of March third. No strike date has been set.
See video of the strike authorization meeting
Read New York Newsday Story

Contract negotiations with Macy’s started last month, but have moved at a slow pace. Major conflict issues include Macy’s proposals that demand excessive employee concessions in areas such as healthcare, job security, and wage increases. Under Macy’s current healthcare proposal, a majority of employees, mostly women and minorities, will be unable to afford healthcare benefits and will force workers to pay upwards of 60 percent of their healthcare premiums, or $154 a week for family coverage. Federated is currently one of the top employers whose workers depend on New York’s taxpayer-funded healthcare.
Macy’s contract proposals also include a “pay for performance” concept that would deny many workers a general wage increase despite their performance. Federated Macy’s has always had the opportunity by contract to award merit increases for good performance but the company has chosen not to pursue. The union is seeking across the board wage increases for all hourly and salary-plus commission employees.
"The 98 percent affirmative vote is a very clear indication that our members support their negotiating team and are ready to strike, if necessary, to support their objective of affordable healthcare and living wage increases. It is time for Macy’s to wake up to the harsh realities and everyday struggles of its workforce," said Local 1-S president Ken Bordieri. "Our members deserve a strong and fair contract that reflects the enormous financial success of Macy’s Federated Department stores over the past few years, especially here in New York. Currently, our members need a ‘miracle on 34th Street’ for them to afford the high-cost of living and working in New York City."