I am a former Sears employee. Back in late 2017 I was helped by a team of "quietly rebellious" HR execs & labor lawyers to keep my job until I was ready to leave. Hey, all sorts of dirty tricks were already being played to press folks like me out of Sears at some locations. These folks helped me for not a single cent, neat bunch of people. Perhaps a bit too idealist but really good at what they do.
However, back then they were frustrated by a lack of time and resources which did not allow them to help more workers. Well, they think they found a way to improve things. They have been piling up data to make an example of at least two companies whose HR practices "could be better" at field level. Case-By-Case, it seems like B&N is one being watched closely and almost ready for action, or so I think I overheard while in Austin yesterday.