Nicole Hardin has worked at the Alderwood Macy’s for nearly 16 years. Over the years she and her colleagues have fought for their wages, working conditions, and safety on the job (an increasingly important issue in retail). Nicole has been there for actions at her store, leaflets from leaflets to info pickets in front of the store.

As the attacks on working people have increased, Nicole has stepped up to become a shop steward, “I really enjoy being able to help colleagues clarify the [union] contract, and I enjoy being a person that colleagues can come to and address their concerns.”

When this year’s member bargaining committee was being formed, and the committee needed a beauty advisor from cosmetics on the team, Nicole jumped at the chance to represent her coworkers and department. “It’s been a great experience to see the inner workings of the union [member bargaining committee] and how hard they fight for us.”

And the fight is far from over. Negotiations have been going on since February, and Macy’s is still refusing to pay sustainable living wages to their workers and still needs to address store safety. The Bellingham, Alderwood, and Southcenter stores have all had strong-arm robberies and unruly customers getting physical with Macy’s workers during these negotiations.

Nicole and her coworkers are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract. Info pickets have been scheduled for August 11th, and more actions are planned during what is a very Hot Labor Summer!