According to Manager of Internal Communications Maggie Moore, employees of the Georgetown Bookstore are not guaranteed continued employment under new vendor Barnes & Noble. The Barnes & Noble will become the official bookstore vendor following the expiration of the University’s current contract with Follett this June.
“Barnes & Noble will interview Follett employees who are interested in a job with them on our campus. B&N is committed to student employment and is interested in working with students who may want a career with their company,” wrote Moore in an email to The Voice. Barnes & Noble will continue the bookstore’s relationship with Dominican apparel supplier Alta Gracia, a company that provides a living wage to its workers.
According to Joelle Wiese, Associate Vice President for Auxiliary Services, Georgetown’s Just Employment Policy will apply to the vendor change. The Just Employment policy states that Georgetown will attempt to avoid employee job loss when ending a contract with a subcontractor. According to the website of the Office of Public Affairs, “If Georgetown no longer contracts work to a subcontracting firm, the University will prioritize employment of any workers who presently work under those subcontractors at Georgetown University, to the extent legally possible.”
“The selection of Barnes & Noble College to manage the Georgetown University bookstores will offer the campus an outstanding retail experience, a multitude of resources, innovative technologies and an array of course material offerings to support the university’s students, faculty, staff and alumni,” wrote Wiese in an email announcing that Barnes & Noble would operate the bookstore.
At press time, the Voice is awaiting response from Cal Watson, director of Business Policy and Planning.
