Politics and Prose becomes DC’s first unionized bookstore

Famed independent bookstore Politics and Prose has successfully become the first unionized bookstore in Washington, D.C.

“We are pleased to announce that Politics and Prose and UFCW Local 400 have reached agreement on the scope of a bargaining unit at P&P, and the union has now been formally recognized as the collective bargaining agent for the bookstore unit,” UFCW Local 400 said in a statement.

The organizing committee for Politics and Prose said it was “proud to join the growing movement of booksellers and baristas” who have unionized in the U.S. The committee stated that this move would “strengthen our workplace and ensure the long-term success of our beloved community hub.”

Hey guys, it’s been pretty quiet since New Year’s eve on our end because we’ve been busy tying up some loose ends. But we’re officially welcoming in 2022 with a very special announcement: https://t.co/HRslNZF7RY pic.twitter.com/kmSTXLyfZi

— Politics & Prose Workers Union (@PolProseUnion) January 3, 2022

Bradley Graham and Lissa Muscatine, the owners of Politics and Prose, said in a statement, “As stewards of a local, independent business with a 37-year legacy of progressive management and mission, we’ve valued collaborating with employees to solve problems and address needs, and we look forward to working with the union in the same spirit.”

Politics and Prose was founded in 1984 by Carla Cohen and Barbara Meade. Since its inception, the store has maintained a loyal customer base and has remained D.C.’s most prominent independent bookstore.

Politics and Prose employees celebrate becoming D.C.’s first unionized bookstore https://t.co/tUxBOHfMq6 pic.twitter.com/r9GfH8ckir

— DCist (@DCist) January 3, 2022

The successful move to unionize comes about one month after the first U.S. Starbucks location also successfully voted to unionize. The employees at the Buffalo, N.Y., location will be represented by the Workers United Labor Union, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, pending certification from the National Labor Relations Board.