Hey, look what I found. It's the gun that WalMart holds to the heads of their employees to make them work for low wages and no benefits. I'm just glad that my boss doesn't have one of these.
Posted on 02/15/2005 10:19:32 PM PST by quidnunc
Last week, Wal-Mart's Canadian division said it would close its first unionized store in North America, making Quebec the latest battleground in the retailer's struggle against unions.
Wal-Mart's decision triggered vicious rebukes from leftist Canadian politicians. David Christopherson, a Canadian Member of Parliament, even called Wal-Mart's decision to close the store "economic terrorism."
It is difficult to understand how workers are exercising their free choice by banding together to negotiate with their employer, but Wal-Mart is the corporate equivalent of Bin Laden because it is choosing not to stay in business under the union's terms.
Putting that aside, there is a greater irony here. The United Food and Commercial Workers union has spent years blasting Wal-Mart for violating human rights, putting local stores out of business, exploiting workers and being an all around evil corporate citizen. The union has a large presence in Canada, but it is based in Washington, D.C. and has campaigned to unionize Wal-Mart in both countries.
"Quite simply the benefits of having a Wal-Mart in your neighborhood are outweighed by the cost in store closures, lost jobs and other adverse effects Wal-Mart has on a community," the union's Website reads.
Based on these statements, one would expect the union to be celebrating the closing of a Wal-Mart in the parking lot like a conquering army. The union has liberated one town from the clutches of the Wal-Mart empire. It should be declared VWM day!
But the union is singing a different tune.
-snip-
(Excerpt) Read more at spectator.org ...
Got context? Check my other post in the thread.
The hate foreigners/love Gephart/Buchanan faction wears blinders and simply blames it all on Walmart.
LOL! When they can't blame it on Walmart, the myth is that there is a evil Republican troll under a bridge with a magic bucket full of money that will "stimulate" the economy the more that you confiscate from it! :)
On top of that, I think Target is owned by the Dayton Family, as in the cowardly democratic senator from MN, at least they used to own it.
Heh. One less Walmart on the planet is a good thing. I don't know the practices of this union; but, it may be a twofer if their practices are as bad as the UAW can be. Is there something here to be upset about?
I too believe in letting the market decide. No argument there.
But why not get behind the regular folks with the jobs?
This is not the teachers union, Teamsters etc, its your neighbors.
There are other costs...you pay em.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1344500/posts
Walmart employees are eligible for state/tax funded benefits.
Isn't this defacto socialism?
This is the reality. A State welfare supported multi billion dollar international corporation. The response of "more taxes" is perfectly incorrect. Better wages is the common sense answer. ?
I believe it is entirely consistant, with modern republican thinking to insist and help these folks get a fair deal, to inspire less greed amoungst business leaders, while continuing to reduce taxes costs. It is a partnership, and right now Walmart is not holding up thier end of the deal.
***
Walmart is huge,getting larger, more dominant in all areas. It maintains huge profits for a select few. It goes beyond greed, it is immoral. It is too common. See Carly Fiorina. Enron, etc. these folks are no good. They isnpire intrusive state regulation. For what? For the right to keep people from making a living? a fair wage from the biggest, most profitable company in the world?
We should demand more of these leaders. the effect they have on our society is huge. We should rail against them. They are the problem. thier greed is the problem.
****
Finally, the important fact is that the workers have a right to walk out, and I believe Walmart is vulnerable to a net organised walkout. The same market that enabled this growth will respond the other way, as the pendulum swings back.
If the workers agree, it will happen.
One kid with a website could get it rolling.
I agree totally with your post.
Here in Montana , the legislature now wants to tax 'big box stores' more than any other business.
Ah, what a concept!! ( sarcasm). Wal-Mart passes on the tax to the consumers of Montana. Such a deal!!
I am sure that the many people , lucky enough to get a job at Wal-Mart, here in Montana, feel that the wage they are paid, and the benefits they receive, cannot compare to any of the smaller stores here.
Shoppers here would have to be crazy to spend , sometimes, three times the amount of one single grocery store item on their list each week.
Wal-Mart here in Montana does carrry MANY items made here in our state--infact many more than the smaller stores.
The consumer, rich or poor, are not stupid!! Likewise employees are not stupid either. I have not seen any articles lately about employees leaving Wal-Mart in droves because they were so abused by this company.
Hey, look what I found. It's the gun that WalMart holds to the heads of their employees to make them work for low wages and no benefits. I'm just glad that my boss doesn't have one of these.
What are you, one of those free-traitors? :^)
Just think of the high paying jobs and Canadian goods that will now be produced!!! Happy day indeed!!
Retail clerk jobs are usually for 1. Kids looking for their first job 2. People looking for another source of income. and 3. People between jobs. I have been both 1 and 3 and yes, I worked retail.
Retail jobs never paid much when my grandma was working at Bambergers, they didn't pay much when my dad worked at the local grocery and they didn't pay much when I sold kitchen appliances and books. Why can't certain Freepers get it into their thick skulls!
...What are you, one of those free-traitors? :^)...
Yea, I guess so. Now what about that pistol in the picture? I didn't see one of those at Wal Mart last time I went there.
I want one. The Gatlin Pistol. Is that thing real????
Why don't you go out and start a business, my friend. You will realize the true costs of operations, including labor, licensing, health care, etc. If you want to shop at a place with generous social benefits, there is always Costco.
Take your "werkin' man" populism to DU.
"I have advocated strongly for spreading globalization through southern Africa to serve the dual purpose of diluting the low paying job market from China and increasing the standard of living in Africa. I'm all for free trade, just not for oppressive communist countries."
________________
Good thing they're aren't any oppressive countries or corrupt despots in southern Africa.
How many of you union sympathizers would allow some stranger to come into your home, take over your weekly paycheck, and distribute is they see fit? That's what I thought---and why should WalMart be willing to allow extortionists to move in on their finances?
Sure looks cool, don't it? I think it's a fake.
Fiat Dino: a poor man's Ferrari... :
As I understand it, collective bargaining decides what the wages in a contract will be.
So whatever that wound up being, would be the "proper wage"
Or do you deny that workers have the right to bargain collectively with management?
If the people who work for Walmart are content with their wages, fine.
I'm just saying they have the absolute right to organize, and unionize, and strike
if necessary, for better wages.
Oh my God! What would the country do without all of Walmart's Communist Chinese junk?
Hold it! I've changed my mind. Let's not upset the applecart.
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