[T]he tensions of last year’s charges against the Strand by three African-American women still reverberate. It was only a year ago that the charges prompted the Strand’s union (United Auto Workers Local 2179) to post this notice: “It has come to the attention of the local that racial discrimination is occurring at Strand Bookstore. If you are African-American and have been subject to stricter disciplinary policy than non-African-American employees, please contact your shop steward or call Local 2179. -Yours, UAW Local 2179.”

[...]

“It’s a real ‘gotcha’ environment,” said another current employee, who asked to remain anonymous. “If I was quoted by name, Nancy [Wyden] would be in my face eight to nine times a week aggressively trying to get me to talk back to her, in a way she could fire me for insubordination.” This employee, and many others interviewed for this article, made clear his belief that the problems at the Strand stemmed from a single source: Nancy Bass Wyden. They believe she has worked harder than anyone to transform the Strand from an intellectual oasis to a profit-producing machine.

“It’s not the East village hipster bookstore it’s presented to be,” said one current 26-year-old male employee. “It’s a corporation, and it’s run like that.”

The New York Press covers the allegations in detail.