Workers At Macy's Flagship Store In Herald Square Threaten To Strike

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Workers at Macy's iconic flagship store in Herald Square are threatening to strike if contract negotiations fail.

The current contract was set to expire at midnight Wednesday. The store, a tourist attraction famous for its prominence in the city's Thanksgiving Day parade, hasn't had a strike since 1972.

Stuart Applebaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which represents the 5,000 workers including the 3,500 from the store, said big issues include health care, unpredictable schedules and pension plans for senior employees.

"Fireworks and parades are nice, but it's more important that Macy's pays its people enough that they can live and survive in the city," Applebaum told WCBS 880's Marla Diamond.

Three other area stores may strike as well.

Macy's sees the threat of the strike as real and has placed ads seeking temporary workers. In a statement, Macy's management said it continues to negotiate in good faith, but intends to keep the doors open if there is a strike.

Applebaum slammed Macy's strategy.

"What they're trying to do is scare their own workforce," he said.

The dispute comes as Macy's struggles with slowing growth.

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