Walmart Scared of Democratic Win
Posted on 01. Aug, 2008 by Dallas VonKillbot in Paid
I couldn't have foreseen this in a million years. America's pride and joy, the store that stocks both anti-depressants and shot gun shells, is leaning towards the right wing.
Wal-Mart has recently warned that if the Dems do win the presidential nomination, there's a likelihood that it will be easier for workers to unionize larger companies. The superstore has always been known for it's slave fair labor practices, and doesn't see the need for it's workers to form labor unions. Besides, who needs medical insurance and workman's comp anyways?
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is mobilizing its store managers and department supervisors around the country to warn that if Democrats win power in November, they'll likely change federal law to make it easier for workers to unionize companies -- including Wal-Mart.
In recent weeks, thousands of Wal-Mart store managers and department heads have been summoned to mandatory meetings at which the retailer stresses the downside for workers if stores were to be unionized.
According to about a dozen Wal-Mart employees who attended such meetings in seven states, Wal-Mart executives claim that employees at unionized stores would have to pay hefty union dues while getting nothing in return, and may have to go on strike without compensation. Also, unionization could mean fewer jobs as labor costs rise.
The actions by Wal-Mart -- the nation's largest private employer -- reflect a growing concern among big business that a reinvigorated labor movement could reverse years of declining union membership. That could lead to higher payroll and health costs for companies already being hurt by rising fuel and commodities costs and the tough economic climate.
The Wal-Mart human-resources managers who run the meetings don't specifically tell attendees how to vote in November's election, but make it clear that voting for Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama would be tantamount to inviting unions in, according to Wal-Mart employees who attended gatherings in Maryland, Missouri and other states.
"The meeting leader said, 'I am not telling you how to vote, but if the Democrats win, this bill will pass and you won't have a vote on whether you want a union,'" said a Wal-Mart customer-service supervisor from Missouri. "I am not a stupid person. They were telling me how to vote," she said.
America's biggest employer, and the working conditions are pretty much intolerable... but hey, where else can you go and get XXL pants, camouflage night vision goggles and McDonalds at 3 in the morning? SCORE!
