Last-minute deal averts strike at landmark store

Macy’s has managed to avert what would have been the first strike at its most valuable property — its flagship in Manhattan — in over 40 years.



Just hours after a midnight deadline passed, Macy's on Thursday announced it had reached a tentative deal with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. The union said the agreement included a “substantial wage increase; a more affordable health care plan; and fair schedules, including no mandatory requirement to work holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas,” according to the New York Post.



No further details were released about the new four-year contract, which is expected to be approved by workers next week.



The union had threatened to strike Thursday. Healthcare benefits and the right of employees not to work on holidays were major points of contention.



In addition to the Manhattan flagship, which ranks among the most popular tourist attractions in New York City, the strike would also have affected four other local Macy’s stores. The union represents about 5,000 Macy's workers in the New York City area, including 3,500 employees at the flagship.