KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WGHP) — A used book retailer in Tennessee, a branch of a chain that got its start in the Piedmont Triad, is denying allegations that it violated federal labor laws.
The Communications Workers of America Local 3805 initially filed a complaint against McKay’s in Knoxville in August 2023 for allegedly discriminating against union-backed employees, according to a release from the union. The union later filed charges against the company in November of that year after the company allegedly retaliated against a member of the union bargaining team.
The National Labor Relations Board launched an investigation and, according to the release, “found merit to issue a complaint” against McKay’s Books Inc. for:
discharging a member of the union bargaining committee “without just cause in retaliation for his union activity.” The employee had been with McKay’s for 21 years.
bargaining in bad faith by “refusing to meet at reasonable times and at reasonable intervals.”
discriminating against workers for their union membership “by giving non-union stores premium pay for the 2023 Labor Day holiday and granting a cost-of-living adjustment in 2024, while excluding workers at the union store.”
In a statement, McKay’s denied the allegations, saying the accusations are not reflective of how the business operates. The company’s full statement is included below:
McKay’s Books has been a part of the Knoxville community for many years, and we care deeply about our customers, our employees, and the trust we’ve built together. We strongly deny the allegations in the Unfair Labor Practice charges, as they do not reflect who we are or how we operate.
We believe in fairness, respect, and open dialogue, and we welcome the opportunity to share our side through the proper legal process. In the meantime, we remain committed to serving our community with the same passion and integrity you’ve come to expect from us.
The labor board is asking the court to order that McKay’s reinstate the former employee who was allegedly fired for his union activity and provide him with back pay. They will also seek an order to direct McKay’s to “engage in meaningful bargaining on a schedule” for the next two years and provide updates on bargaining efforts directly to the NLRB.
“I joined the union because every dedicated employee at McKay’s deserves dignity, respect, and the security of a union contract that guarantees just cause,” said the employee who was fired from McKay’s in a statement. “I look forward to getting back to the job I love, serving my customers, and negotiating a union contract that protects my coworkers from going through the unjust treatment I received for standing with my union. It’s time for a fair contract, and we won’t back down until we get it.”
The union workers have been bargaining with McKay’s for a contract “that will guarantee respect and dignity on the job” for the past 55 months.
“For decades, the workers have served readers and hobbyists in the community by providing excellent service to customers and ensuring McKay’s reputation as a beloved institution to access a wide variety of affordable second-hand books and other forms of entertainment,” the CWA writes. “Unfortunately, this has come at a cost for the workers who are overworked, underpaid, and mistreated.”
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