Working together, Powell's Books employees and managers in Portland, Oregon have created the finest bookstore in the world. In order to maintain a voice in their working conditions, Powell's employees are exercising their legal right to unionize. On Friday, March 12th, after five months of hard work, they will file for a union election. Please join us in asking Michael Powell to agree to a fast, fair union election.
Fast: The Powell's Organizing Committee has worked hard to build majority support for a union. A union election should be set up within thirty days. Any delays may prevent everyone from working together to face the challenges of the bookstore industry in the 21st Century. Justice delayed is justice denied.
Fair: Powell's employees have already received letters to their homes containing distorted information about unions and the ILWU. They have sat through meetings where Powell's managers explained why they oppose a union. A fair election means no more letters to workers homes. And it means no more meetings on company time where only managers are allowed to present their views on unions.
Many people in the Portland community admire and support Michael Powell's stance as an advocate for democracy and human rights in Portland. We hope he adheres to these same principles throughout the union election process at Powell's.
We will be holding a press conference in front of Powell's City of Books (10th and West Burnside) on Friday March 12th at 1:00 P.M. to urge Michael Powell to agree to a fast and fair union election. Please join us.
For those who cannot join us on this day, we are sending a sample letter to Michael Powell. Please fax, email, or call him on Friday and urge him to agree to a fast, fair election. Please also send the Powell's Organizing Committee a copy.
Michael Powell fax: (503) 228-1142 email: mikep at burnside.powells.com phone: (503) 228-0540
Powell's Organizing Committee / ILWU Local 5 fax: (503) 224-9311 email: williamkramer at ilwu.org phone: (503) 223-6057
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
The Powell's Organizing Committee
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Sample Letter to Michael Powell
Dear Michael Powell:
Working together, Powell's employees and managers have created the finest bookstore in the world. In order to maintain a voice in their working conditions, Powell's employees are exercising their legal right to unionize. On Friday, March 12th, they will file for a union election. We urge you to agree to a fast, fair union vote.
Fast: Over the last five months, the Powell's Organizing Committee has worked hard to build majority support for a union. A union election should be set up within thirty days. Any delays may prevent everyone from working together to face the challenges of the bookstore industry in the 21st Century. Justice delayed is justice denied.
Fair: Powell's employees have already received letters to their homes containing distorted information about unions and the ILWU. They have sat through meetings where you and your managers explained why you oppose a union. A fair election means no more letters to workers homes. And it means no more meetings on company time where only managers are allowed to present their views on unions.
We admire and support your stance as an advocate for democracy and human rights in Portland. We hope that you adhere to these same principles during the union election process at Powell's.
Sincerely,