Cole Haan Retail Store Workers Join RWDSU (8/25/09)

Over 50 employees at Cole Haan retail stores in New York City won a union voice on Friday, August 21, by winning an election to join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. The new RWDSU members, who are employed as cashiers, stockers, and sales associates, work at three Cole Haan locations. The stores are located in Rockefeller Center, Columbus Circle, and Madison Avenue.

The employees of the stores, which sell shoes, handbags, shirts, and other women’s and men’s clothing items, joined the RWDSU to address a number of issues they were dealing with in the workplace.

“The workers at Cole Haan had an unaffordable health care plan, weren't being listened to by management, and most importantly, saw an eight percent commission taken away and replaced with an hourly wage,” said RWDSU Organizer Joseph Dorismond. “The removal of their commissions was costing these workers a lot of money, and they want to address this issue.”