Workers Authorize Strike at Bloomingdale's NYC Flagship

New York City Workers have authorized a strike at Bloomingdale's Manhattan store, which could lead to the first shutdown at the famed flagship in more than four decades, according to the Associated Press.

A spokeswoman for the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union said talks were continuing, but the 2,000 workers at the store have authorized a walkout if a contract dispute is not resolved by Thursday.

Bloomingdale's spokesman David Ender said negotiations have been "mutually respectful," and that the company expects an agreement before the contract expires Wednesday evening.

Union spokeswoman Carolyn Daly said the union and management are split over health-care coverage and raises, the report said. Negotiations began in February, and the contract was extended until Thursday. Daly said no date has been set for a walkout.

The walkout would affect only Bloomingdale's 59th Street store.