Unaffordable Health Care, Low Wages, Sexual Discrimination — The Wal-Mart Way of Life
Wal-Mart—more workers call it their employer than any other company in America. But while it may be the biggest, it is far from the best—with unaffordable health insurance, an average hourly wage of $7.50-$8.50, and a culture of intimidation of union supporters, Wal-Mart is the biggest threat to worker security in North America.
As America’s largest private sector employer—1.4 million people call Wal-Mart their workplace—the retail giant is in position to set the standard for worker treatment. You don’t even have to work at Wal-Mart to see the harmful effects of its greedy ways.
A workplace defined by Wal-Mart-style management tactics creates a world where families must struggle to make ends meet. Parents have to choose between paying health care premiums, mortgage payments, or for after school programs for the kids. The company’s slick PR efforts portray Wal-Mart as worker friendly employer—one that provides security and stability for employees. But the unfriendly reality behind the company’s smiley face is coming to the surface. The People’s Campaign—Justice @ Wal-Mart, a coalition of more than 300 organizations, is exposing how Wal-Mart suppresses workers. Women workers at Wal-Mart have charged the company with the largest sexual discrimination suit in U.S. history. Communities are voicing their support for Wal-Mart workers to have living wages and affordable family health care.
When Wal-Mart denies its workers the right to a voice at work, they are ripping away the opportunity for men and women to provide for their families. UFCW members have to help workers at Wal-Mart gain a voice to protect our wages and benefits at work. America cannot live on a Wal-Mart paycheck.
 |
 |
