HarperCollins Publishers

Steering Committee:

Jessica Berg
Renee Cafiero
Bess Jankowski
Douglas Johnson
Allison Lorentzen
Clairissa McLaurin

The steering committee is made up of volunteers from a variety of departments. If you would like to get involved, contact us.

The main purpose of our Union is to bargain a legally binding contract that covers wages, benefits, terms and conditions of our employment. Collective bargaining gives us a democratic voice in improving our lives and helps us protect our jobs.

We have had a union here for over 60 years (and have been affiliated with the UAW for about 30 years), and have been able to win things in our contracts like guaranteed annual raises and health benefits, including mental health coverage. Without collective bargaining, HarperCollins would have unilateral power to change the terms of our employment. With a collective bargaining agreement, the publisher has to negotiate any changes to our working conditions and benefits with us.

click here to download our signed contract extension for 2010

click here to download our current contract for 2007 - 2009 (Adobe PDF)

click here for Frequently Asked Questions about the union

Do you work more than 35 hours a week? If so, you may not be aware that under our contract, you are entitled to receive overtime pay.

Our contract states that:
1. all work on a Saturday or a holiday and all work in excess of 35 hours a week shall be paid at 1 and 1/2 times your regular rate
2. all work on a Sunday shall be paid at 2 times your regular rate
3. if you are authorized to work more than 2 hours of overtime in a day, you are entitled to a $10 meal allowance, and if you work past 8pm you are entitled to reimbursement for taxi fare home. Are you having trouble getting authorization for overtime pay? Contact any member of the union steering committee.