Good Vibrations, a Bay Area chain of sex-positive adult toy retailers, has unanimously agreed to a union contract after over a year of effort. The three-year agreement brings significant improvements in wages, job security, and health and safety protections for all covered employees.
According to the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local No. 5, the contract includes an 8-24% wage increase range over the three years. This increase aims to standardize pay scales across the company. Vacation time began accruing immediately after ratification for use after a year, with workers able to earn up to four weeks of vacation after five years.
The agreement also provides just cause for termination or discipline, ensuring that workers are no longer considered at-will employees. A clear grievance process allows workers to challenge discipline deemed unfair, and flexible attendance policies offer clarity. A labor-management committee was established to discuss health and safety protocols.
The contract was ratified on April 17, with bargaining committee member Sarah Wilder stating, “We are proud to have reached this agreement together.” The union’s efforts were motivated in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated on-the-job safety issues. The agreement marks a significant step forward for workers at Good Vibrations and queer-owned spaces in general, demonstrating that community-rooted businesses and unions can work together to build fairer, safer, workplaces.
Source: https://www.ebar.com/story/154650