eBay subsidiary TCGplayer has announced the closure of its authentication center in Syracuse, New York. This decision affects hundreds of union workers who have been negotiating their first contract with the company. In response, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, claiming that eBay’s actions aim to avoid bargaining obligations and maintain a union-free environment.
Eric Tillotson, a member of TCGunion-CWA Local 1123, expressed his discontent: “We are outraged. Since we launched our union, eBay has waged a relentless campaign to silence us and stop our efforts to make TCGplayer better for everyone.” He added that eBay and TCGplayer are employing illegal tactics to suppress workers’ rights.
The announcement was made by TCGplayer CEO Rob Bigler during a meeting at 8:30 a.m. ET, after which workers were asked to leave the building until Saturday. Bigler did not entertain any questions following the announcement.
This development comes shortly after eBay and TCGplayer canceled a meeting intended to finalize a collective bargaining agreement for authentication center workers. These employees have been striving for over 600 days to secure their first contract.
Matthew Schlicht, another member of TCGunion-CWA Local 1123, shared his concerns about job loss: “Many of us decided to organize because we wanted to do something about the unlivable wages and economic hardship we’ve experienced while working at TCGplayer.”
Last year, the union released a report titled “Tapped Out at TCGplayer,” highlighting financial struggles faced by eBay workers. It revealed that most authentication center employees earn below living wage levels in Syracuse.
Douglas Johnson, former seller and owner of Cardgarden, criticized the decision as retaliation against union organizing efforts: “It’s clear that they value profits over people.”
According to eBay’s proxy statement from last year, CEO Jamie Iannone earned $21 million in total compensation in 2024—536 times more than what an average CWA member earns in Syracuse. The Economic Policy Institute reported growing support for unions among Americans alongside declining sympathy for large corporations.
CWA Local 1123 President James A. Leone Jr. commented on eBay’s decision: “For a company that makes billions off hard-working employees’ backs…this extreme action is due to their obsession with preventing worker voices on jobs.”
Dennis Trainor from CWA District 1 remarked on eBay’s approach: “Rather than engaging transparently…eBay leaders gathered behind closed doors deciding firing entire workforce.”
