Employees at Abrams Books and its Abrams ComicArts division have overwhelmingly voted to unionize, marking a significant step towards securing better working conditions and greater transparency within the company. The vote, conducted via mail-in ballot from April 30 to May 21, resulted in an impressive 88% win for the union, which will be part of UAW Local 2110.
A Decisive Victory for Abrams Workers
The successful unionization drive comes after a period of uncertainty for Abrams employees, who have faced multiple rounds of layoffs and cuts to health benefits. These concerns, coupled with issues such as low entry-level salaries, job insecurity, and a perceived lack of transparency in management negotiations, fueled the push for collective bargaining.
Key Issues Driving Unionization
- Job Security: Employees sought greater protection against layoffs and other forms of job insecurity.
- Fair Wages: Low entry-level salaries were a major concern, with workers advocating for a living wage that reflects the value of their contributions.
- Health Benefits: Cuts to health benefits prompted employees to seek greater stability and affordability in their healthcare coverage.
- Transparency: Workers desired more open communication and involvement in decisions affecting their employment.
Joining UAW Local 2110
The new union will be affiliated with UAW Local 2110, a well-established organization representing over 3,000 workers in various sectors, including publishing, universities, museums, and law firms. This affiliation provides Abrams employees with the support and resources of a larger labor organization, strengthening their position in negotiations with management.
A Growing Trend in Publishing
Abrams is not the first New York book publisher to unionize. Workers at HarperCollins, also part of UAW Local 2110, went on strike in November 2022, eventually reaching an agreement after three months that included higher minimum salaries and improved benefits. This victory served as an inspiration for Abrams employees, demonstrating the power of collective action in achieving meaningful change.
The Path Forward: Contract Negotiations
With the union now certified, Abrams editors, designers, product managers, and other non-supervisory staff will begin the process of negotiating a contract with the company. This process will involve representatives from the union and Abrams management sitting down to discuss and agree upon terms related to wages, benefits, job security, and other important working conditions.
What to Expect in Contract Negotiations
- Wage Increases: The union will likely push for higher minimum salaries and across-the-board wage increases to address concerns about low pay.
- Improved Benefits: Negotiations may focus on restoring or enhancing health benefits, retirement plans, and other employee perks.
- Job Security Provisions: The union will seek to establish protections against layoffs and ensure fair treatment in disciplinary matters.
- Grievance Procedures: A clear and effective grievance procedure will be essential for resolving disputes between employees and management.
Voices from the Union
Lydia Nguyen, assistant editor for Abrams ComicArts, emphasized the workers’ vision of a future where publishing is “in the hands of the workers—the people on the ground who build relationships with authors, readers, and booksellers.” Sarah Robbins, an Associate Editor at Abrams, stated, “We want to be heard and treated with respect, which includes fair wages and better job protections.” Madeline Morales, Designer, added: “We’re unionizing because we love our jobs at Abrams and we want to make this a workplace that we can stay and thrive in. Everyone at Abrams deserves to earn a living wage and be treated fairly.”
Abrams Expands into Manga with Kana
Amidst the unionization efforts, Abrams has also been expanding its reach in the publishing world. The company recently launched Kana, a new imprint focused on manga and French comics. This move reflects Abrams’ commitment to diversifying its offerings and catering to a growing audience of comic book enthusiasts.
Kana’s Initial Lineup
Kana’s initial list of licensed titles includes three manga and three French comics, with plans to publish 40-60 paperback titles each year. The manga titles, all of which have French editions by Éditions Ki-oon, include:
- Leviathan by Shiro Kuroi (serialized in Shonen Jump+)
- Eden of Witches by Yumeji (serialized in Kadokawa’s Harta)
- Manhole by Tetsuya Tsutsui (serialized in Square Enix’s Young Gangan)
A New Chapter for Abrams
The unionization of Abrams Books and Abrams ComicArts marks a new chapter in the company’s history. As employees and management work together to negotiate a contract, the hope is that this process will lead to a more equitable and sustainable workplace for all. The successful unionization drive serves as an example of how collective action can empower workers and create positive change within the publishing industry.
