Inside TCGplayer: The Heart of Trading Card Authentication
Every week, TCGplayer’s Authentication Center in Syracuse, New York, processes a staggering number of trading cards. This includes popular games like Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh. As an online marketplace acquired by eBay in 2022, TCGplayer ensures that every card sold is meticulously examined for authenticity and assessed for its condition. This labor-intensive process is carried out by dedicated specialists who handle packages containing anywhere from a few cards to as many as 14,000 at once. Julia Giacona, one of the receiving generalists at TCGplayer, notes that they manage tens of thousands of cards each week.
The Rigorous Process Behind Card Inspection
From early morning until evening, Giacona and her colleagues focus on counting and inspecting primarily Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon cards. Much of their time is spent standing at cabinets where they organize the inspected items. “It can be quite challenging to remain stationary for long periods,” Giacona shared. “Many coworkers experience sciatica issues; it often feels worse to stay still than to move around.” Megan Wheeler, another receiving generalist who is currently expecting a child, echoed these sentiments about the physical toll the job takes on employees’ backs and eyes due to the need for close examination.
Wheeler explained that card intake marks just the beginning of a three-step process within their operations. After inspection comes storage in a warehouse-like system before individual orders are fulfilled and shipped out—meaning each card passes through numerous hands during its journey from seller to buyer. Both Wheeler and Giacona possess extensive knowledge about trading cards’ intricate details which makes them well-suited for this meticulous work environment.
Union Advocacy Amidst Wage Concerns
TCGplayer employees have been unionized with Communications Workers of America (CWA) for approximately one year now but express concerns regarding fair compensation from eBay. According to Giacona, starting wages are set at $16.25 per hour—a figure many workers find inadequate given their specialized roles (other departments like shipping also face similar wage issues). In response to these concerns, union members plan a rally in Syracuse following the release of an extensive report detailing wages relative to living costs in Syracuse.
This report surveyed 54 workers from the Authentication Center revealing that an alarming 87% earn less than what would be considered a living wage for single individuals without dependents in Syracuse.
The union comprises around 280 non-managerial staff involved across various functions such as sorting and shipping operations within TCGplayer’s framework—an organization that employed over 600 people when eBay acquired it last year.
Negotiations with eBay: A Call for Fairness
As negotiations continue between eBay representatives and CWA officials regarding contract terms—including economic discussions surrounding wages—the urgency among employees grows stronger with each passing day without resolution.
An eBay spokesperson stated that initial bargaining focused on non-economic aspects before addressing financial matters like salaries but assured regular meetings were taking place between both parties leading up to this rally event.
For workers like Wheeler—who faces personal challenges while preparing for motherhood—the need for fair agreements cannot come soon enough amidst rising living costs exacerbated by stagnant wages.
“My manager asked if I had painted my nursery yet,” she recounted with frustration; “I don’t even have space or funds available right now.”
Community Impact Through Improved Wages
Giacona emphasized how raising employee pay could benefit not only those working at TCGplayer but also contribute positively towards local economic growth within Syracuse itself since it stands as one of its largest employers today—a hope shared widely among her colleagues during upcoming demonstrations aimed at showcasing solidarity amongst themselves along with support from community members alike.
In recent years leading up until now—including significant milestones such as acquiring more than 115 million authenticated trading cards, including 32 million just last year alone, according reports released alongside news about their acquisition—it’s clear there has been substantial growth within both new markets alongside secondhand sales driven largely due pandemic-related trends observed throughout various industries worldwide recently too!
eBay reported revenues reaching $10 billion+ this past fiscal year while simultaneously acknowledging ongoing worker dissatisfaction stemming primarily due low starting salaries which hover around state minimums ($15/hour) yet barely increase after years spent working there according findings published earlier indicating nearly 60% earning below $19/hour, insufficient given current cost-of-living standards locally speaking!
“We hear our team members’ concerns regarding wages,” said an official representative representing eBay during discussions held previously; “and remain committed towards reaching collective bargaining agreements positioning everyone involved favorably moving forward.”
With hopes pinned high upon Thursday’s rally coupled alongside detailed reports highlighting pressing issues faced daily by hardworking individuals striving tirelessly behind scenes ensuring quality service provided consistently across board—these efforts aim ultimately push management toward recognizing importance fairness when negotiating contracts going forward!
“I pour my heart into everything I do here,” expressed Wheeler passionately reflecting upon struggles faced balancing work-life responsibilities amid personal circumstances surrounding impending parenthood; “to feel undervalued despite dedication shown feels disheartening especially considering how much should’ve changed since then!”
