A strike between the publishing publisher HarperCollins and the union representing 250 striking employees: Negotiation terms, firing terms, and a possible wage increase

The union representing around 250 striking employees and the publisher of HarperCollins Publishers have reached a tentative agreement. The strike that began nearly three months ago will end if union members approve the contract.

Contracts for the United Auto Workers of Canada are pending a vote by their memberships, and both parties have released statements saying that there will be increases to minimum salaries across levels and a bonus of up to $1,500 for bargaining unit employees.

Mid- and entry-level staffers in departments ranging from marketing to book design asked for a starting salary boost from $45,000 to $50,000, along with greater union protection and increased efforts to enhance diversity. The employees went on strike after they failed to come to an agreement.

The industry and others closely followed the walkout, which drew attention to growing unhappiness over wages that have traditionally been low in book publishing and have made it hard for younger staffers without outside help to afford living in New York City, the nation’s publishing hub.

Earlier this week, Macmillan announced it was raising starting salaries from $42,000 to $47,000. The other major publishing houses in New York offer starting salaries of between $45,000 and $50,000.

A months-long stalemate resulted in accusations that the publisher was not attempting to reach a deal.

HarperCollins, part of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, agreed on Jan. 26 to talks with a federal mediator. Soon after, HarperCollins announced plans to lay off 5% of North American employees, citing declining revenues and growing costs.