Last week, working people at eight Zara locations in New York chose to join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). Zara is owned by Inditex, the world’s largest fashion retailer, and the company did not oppose the union drive. More than 1,000 employees will now be represented by RWDSU Local 1102. RWDSU represents workers at retail stores such as Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s, and supermarkets, drugstores and car washes.
RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum said: "We applaud Zara for recognizing the rights of its employees to choose to unionize, without interference. Zara, the largest fast-fashion retailer in the world, is sending a strong message that you can remain profitable and still recognize your workers’ right to dignity, justice and respect on the job."
RWDSU spokesperson Janna Pea added: "We wish more American employers would follow this European model of Zara and H&M, which allows and respects the unions’ right to organize."