Pros
Training program is exceptional as of mid 2012. Management at my location in Beaverton are amazing. Powell's has a few great perks if your a bookworm 30% off New Books, Sidelines(gift type stuff toys etc.) & Powell's merchandise. 50% off all used books. Plus you never know what books, sidelines or more won't sell and you can take them home for free! They support and treat staff like family with BBQ's, a nice work environment and break area as well as just plan nice. Powell's is unionized so if you are for that then you should be pleased especially since they are now beginning negotiations for a new contract staring Feb 2013. They are pretty good about letting you get days off as well as working with you on making sure you are doing well in your position. Tons of benefits for you if your full time. Discounts to the Rose Garden and several other area companies including Regal theaters.
Cons
Union if you're not for that. i think the Union has caused management to not promote folks to Full Time. I think if they dropped the Union they would be able to develop a huge amount of employees who want to be there because they love Powell's not just there to get a guaranteed raise and never get fired for being lazy, & rude to customers and incredibly bad for the Powell's image. Very laid back and lenient on employees who have been with the company for a long time. I also think that the "free hours" where you are not actually assigned to be doing something should be more monitored. I think Powell's should consider dropping the Union start putting feelers out and I bet you would be able to find people who can and will do the jobs just as well as the current Unionized sheep that think the Union is helping us. I also think that if I don't want to be in the Union I shouldn't have to pay the dues or be covered by them. I wish I could step away from it and be looked at for how I do my job not because of some contract so that Powell's managers and corporate could actually create a rapport with employees instead of a old way of doing business that in this day and age is NOT needed.
