On December 6, 2002, workers at Borders Bookstore store #1 in Downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, voted for union representation with UFCW Local  876 by a margin of 93%. Border's management has responded by employing union-busting tactics and failing to negotiate in good faith. On November 8, 2003, workers began an unfair labor practice strike -- and now they are asking for your solidarity!

At the bargaining table, Borders has offered no new wage increases, no benefit improvements, the unilateral right to change or eliminate benefits as Borders sees fit, no improvements in working conditions or in seniority rights, and limited overtime pay. Borders gave up nothing in 11 months of negotiations except that they will now deduct union dues from employee's paychecks. Borders Inc is notorious for union busting, and currently employs one of the top union-busting law firms in the country at the bargaining table.

There have been numerous unfair labor practices cited, including firing a worker without cause. In the last few days, there have been 3 new unfair labor practices -- of which the most astonishing was that the general manager came out of the store on Saturday night when there was a lull on the picket line and tried to tear up picket signs on the sidewalk.

While workers are on strike because Borders has repeatedly violated federal labor law and engaged in unfair bargaining, they are also striking because they deserve a living wage, affordable benefits and respect on the job. Hal Brannan, an 18-year Borders employee and member of the Union Bargaining committee, stated, "We're going on strike because we have to. It's the only way we can fight back against the Borders unfair labor practices and get Borders to offer a fair contract proposal. Workers at Store #1 are united and we are going to fight like hell to win."

This holiday season, workers have called for a nationwide boycott of Borders, Waldenbooks and Amazon.com. Please send the email below to tell Borders executives that you are not going to shop at Borders until workers in Ann Arbor have a fair collective bargaining agreement.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to inform you that I support the striking workers at the Borders Downtown Ann Arbor store. The workers at the Borders Downtown Ann Arbor store deserve a living wage, affordable benefits, good working conditions and respect on the job. Borders' failure to offer any improvements in wages and benefits during the negotiations with United Food & Commercial Workers Local 876 is an insult to the workers and their families.

I am also angry that Borders has committed numerous unfair labor practices. Borders has a legal and ethical obligation to follow the labor laws in this country.

I will not shop at Borders, Waldenbooks or Amazon.com until the workers at the Borders Downtown Ann Arbor store have a fair collective bargaining agreement. I will also actively encourage family and friends not to shop at Borders, Waldenbooks or Amazon.com as well.

All workers deserve a living wage, affordable benefits and respect on the job. Stop breaking the law and start negotiating a fair contract.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
November 26, 2003