A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.

28 February 2016

BH Photo Video may need boycotting

Brooklyn based BH Photo Video, a major online retailer from which I’ve purchased a few items (my primary online store is Adorama), is in hot water with the federal government for allegedly discriminating against women and ethnic and racial minorities. Petapixel has the lowdown and a link to the official complaint:

B&H “has systematically discriminated against Hispanic employees and female, black and Asian jobseekers at its Brooklyn Navy Yard warehouse,” the government says. B&H is a federal contractor, so it’s forbidden from discriminating in employment and is required to take affirmative action for employment equality.

“B&H fell far short of this responsibility and created deplorable working conditions for employees at its Brooklyn warehouse,” says Patricia A. Shiu, director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

Photographers must decide for themselves whether to boycott BH, keeping in mind that the Department of Labor’s allegations must be proven. As a practical matter, whether to boycott is a moot issue for me. I’m not planning purchases, and I’ve not used BH for years. When I did use BH, I had no complaints. But if I need something available at BH, my need won’t be met until this situation is resolved in favor of the workers.