Today, workers at the Patagonia store in SoHo filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seeking representation with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). This filing marks a major turning point for employees of the outdoor apparel giant, as they move to become the first unionized Patagonia location in the eastern United States. The filing joins a powerful streak of retail organizing and contract wins by the RWDSU in New York City and beyond.

Barnes & Noble workers at the West 82nd Street Store in New York City filed for their union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seeking representation with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). Their filing follows five overwhelming union votes nationwide by workers at Barnes & Noble Inc. and one at Barnes & Noble Education so far. When successful, workers at this store will join two other unionized stores in New York City including the Flagship at Union Square and the Park Slope, Brooklyn store. There have also been a streak of wins by the RWDSU at independent booksellers in the area, including McNally Jackson, Goods for the Study, Greenlight Bookstore and Book Culture…