Macy’s workers at three, popular store locations in Western Washington said they will be going on strike on Black Friday, November 24. 96% of Macy’s Workers United (UFCW 3000) voted to authorize ‘unfair labor practice’ strikes, leaving their workplaces to join picket lines.
Macy workers said receiving a fair wage is important, but safety is at the top of their minds.
Macy strike by workers
“When workers ask that store safety just be a topic that they can talk about in future meetings with management, Macy’s even says no to that,” Joe Mizrahi, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW 21, said on Friday. “Macy’s workers would much rather be inside the store helping customers this Black Friday. But instead they’ll be out here (at the Southcenter Mall) on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.”
More than 400 Macy’s (M.N) workers in Washington state are planning a three-day strike from Black Friday through Sunday, alleging unfair labor practices and demanding better wages, according to UFCW Local 3000’s website.
Macy’s workers strike for unfair labor practices
The Macy’s union said it was planning to start the strike on Nov. 24 at 3 a.m. PT with a parade at the Southcenter Mall in Tukwila. The fourth Friday of November is one of the busiest and most profitable days of the year at the department store chain.
Macy strike at busiest stores
Macy’s strike would be at three of its busiest stores and the workers are expected to return to duty from 3 a.m. PT on Monday.
As of Jan. 28, excluding seasonal employees, Macy’s had 94,570 full-time and part-time employees, of which about 8% are represented by unions, a regulatory filing showed. Its minimum wage for workers was at $15 per hour.
The UFCW Local 3000 represents more than 50,000 members working in grocery, retail, healthcare, meat packing, cannabis and other industries in Washington, Oregon and northern Idaho.
Cyber Week, the five days from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday, is one of the biggest shopping periods in the U.S. where retailers try to cash in on demand from customers looking to snap up products at the cheapest available prices.
Macy’s Striking Workers Parade
Macy’s did not not agree to an interview on unfair labor practices and workers strike. But a spokesperson emailed the following, full statement to KIRO 7 on Friday:
“Thank you for your inquiry. Macy’s seeks to reach a deal that is mutually beneficial to the colleague, company, and union.”
Macy’s Workers United plans to launch its strike at the Southcenter Mall in Tukwila on Black Friday.
It’s called the ‘Macy’s Striking Workers Parade,’ drawing inspiration from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“I don’t think they’re going to be able to staff the stores properly. And if they can, it’s going to be a mess,” Mizrahi said. “It’s the first time in a generation that a major department store has effectively been shut down by sales associates.”
