The TCGunion-CWA union – eBay battle continues, with union members and their supporters alike appearing to be reaching their boiling point, claiming that TCGplayer’s new parent company, eBay, is using union-busting tactics to bully the union out of a contract and discouraging unionization within the company altogether.
The union and its supporters chose to show their displeasure by holding an unofficial picket on November 29, 2023, right in front of TCGPlayer’s headquarters in Syracuse, New York, demanding that eBay fulfills its obligation as a parent company and bargain with them in good faith, as is proper. Naturally, their ultimate goal is to gain a union contract, but eBay seems to be sending a clear message that it doesn’t like the idea all too much.
In recent posts on the social media platform known as “X” (formerly Twitter), The TCGunion-CWA is not shy about showing its disappointment and displeasure with posts such as those:
We're fighting for our coworkers, our families and our own dignity so we can't stop demanding our fair share—there is too much at stake.@eBay stop stalling & start bargaining in good faith.
— TCGunion-CWA (@TCGunionCWA) November 29, 2023
Cause our determination & commitment to what's fair is unwavering. (8/end) pic.twitter.com/PiLZzQD6Iz
Meanwhile, eBay and TCGPlayer’s official “X” pages do not acknowledge the picket as of yet, and no official statements have been made by both entities as of now. This radio silence and lack of acknowledgement is undoubtedly sending a bad message across the board, so it will be curious to see what their future actions will be.
The Union’s Got Friends in High Places
The TCGunion-CWA union has received further support by the New York City Comptroller and the New York State Comptroller, who have both sent eBay a stern joint letter stating the various concerns in regards to their lack of action, lack of willingness for a dialogue, and further criticized their revision of their Human Rights Policy, among others, so that they can make unionization difficult. They have asked Paul S.
Pressler, Chairman of the Board of Directors at eBay Inc. to respond by December 4, 2023. This request will not be taken lightly, as both the the New York City Comptroller and the New York State Comptroller represent he New York City and New York State pension funds, who have approximately 2.5 million eBay shares valued at $111 million (at 6/30/23). The full document can be found here.
Given the above statements, it is highly unlikely that eBay will remain silent for much longer, lest they risk tarnishing their reputation further, or even worse – losing valuable financial assets and support. This dispute has gone long enough, ever since the union publicly announced its formation this January.