| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 18, 2000 |
|
|
WAL-MART WORKERS MAKE HISTORY?SAY "UNION YES!" The world's biggest retailer, and America's largest private employer, has remained union-free in its conquest of American commerce, until today. Employees in the Jacksonville, Texas Wal-Mart Supercenter's meat department voted 7-to-3 to join the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 540, becoming the first U.S. Wal-Mart employees to gain union representation. "This victory could open the floodgates of pent-up worker frustration at the abusive treatment, low pay, and lousy benefits at Wal-Mart," predicted UFCW President Douglas H. Dority, who called the election "the vote heard 'round the world." Union officials attributed the outcome to resentment over the company-controlled "open door" policy and the desire to replace it with a fair and impartial grievance procedure, and a true voice in the workplace. The 12 meat department workers courageously overcame the intense anti-union campaign waged against them by the company. The workers stood up to Wal-Mart's:
The UFCW has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board against Wal- Mart's illegal union-busting activity, including its attempts to "stack" the meat department with anti-union workers. A Wal-Mart spokesperson boasted recently that the company "always obeys the law." That claim will be put to the test shortly, as the law requires employers to enter into timely, good faith negotiations following an election. " The Jacksonville workers refused to be swayed by Wal-Mart fear tactics and voted their hopes for a better future. I am extremely proud that Texans are the first in the nation to take the step not only to make their store better but also because they've shown nearly a million Wal-Mart employees that they, too, can stand up and win respect and dignity on the job," said UFCW Local 540 President John Rodriguez. Today's union vote at Wal-Mart could have a tremendous impact on the giant retailer, which has gone to extreme measures to prevent workers from making their voice heard. Last fall, Wal-Mart's hometown judge issued a nationwide temporary restraining order against the UFCW barring anyone associated with the union from entering Wal-Mart facilities to inform workers of their legal rights in the workplace. The union successfully forced the judge--who holds more than a half-million dollars of Wal-Mart stock--off the case, yet the "temporary" order still limits union activity. Wal-Mart has profited by pushing its workers to the bottom of the wage scale. Just last week, the company announced record profits, but Wal-Mart employees have not shared in the company's financial success.
Wal-Mart employees are increasingly standing up for their rights and a voice on the job. A petition for a union election for the meat and seafood department employees at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Palestine, Texas was filed earlier this week. The UFCW is the largest organization of retail workers in North America, with 1.4 million members. Workers at retail food industry leaders such as Kroger and Safeway are members of the UFCW. -30- |
|
 |
 |
