National Labor Relations Board rules the company violated employees’ rights Walmart workers won a significant victory in November when the National Labor Relations Board ruled against the company for its ongoing violations of workers’ rights.
The NLRB acted to protect Walmart “associates” who were fired or disciplined unfairly by Walmart after participating in strikes and other legally protected labor actions.
The ruling specifically dealt with the terminations of more than 100 workers who left their jobs in June to travel to Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Ark., where they rallied near the company’s annual shareholders meeting.
The decision also addressed allegations of threats by management meant to discourage workers from participating in efforts to improve their pay and working conditions.
Walmart may be forced to reinstate the jobs of terminated workers, give them back pay and post notices informing employees of their labor rights.
This decision is a welcome outcome for the Walmart workers who sacrificed their time and wages, at the risk of losing their jobs, to tell the world how unfairly their company is treating them.
Let’s hope it’s the first of many victories for all Walmart workers.
Why is it so important for us, as members of UFCW 8-Golden State, to support these non-Union workers at the world’s largest retail company?
It’s important because Walmart’s low wages and almost nonexistent benefits pose a serious threat to standards across the industry. Walmart leads a “race to the bottom” in which all retailers are feeling competitive pressure to limit the wages and benefits they provide for their own workers.
When Walmart is forced to change its ways and compensate its workers fairly, we will all benefit.
That’s why volunteers from our Union turned out to support Walmart employees at their Black Friday protests within our jurisdiction.
We all need to stand together and fight as one for the future of the middle class.
Solidarity Works!
People Before Profits
California Shows the Way for Unions
Last
year was a strong one for Unions and working families in California. If
only we could say the same for the rest of the country! As Union membership continues to grow in California, fewer Americans in other states are enjoying the job security, higher wages and better benefits of a Union contract. Why is this happening? What does California have that other states don’t? California has been a bastion of Union pride and strength going back to the early 20th century. Longshore workers, public-sector workers, aerospace workers, film and television workers, farm workers and retail workers have all made their marks in the state’s storied history of labor activism. What’s more, California has always attracted people who are ready to challenge the status quo, if that’s what it takes to win better lives for themselves and their families. Working people in California can look ahead to a brighter future, but only if we remain vigilant and active in protecting Union market share in our state. | Jacques Loveall President, UFCW 8-Golden State UFCW International Vice President In fact, we should purchase Union-made products whenever possible and take all of our business to Union-affiliated companies not just stores, but hospitals, offices and professional service providers as well. The “Your Bread And Butter” campaign is geared to building public awareness and appreciation of Unions. This program deserves your support because it is key to building Union strength now and in the future. To learn more, please read the article by Secretary-Treasurer Kirk Vogt and visit YourBreadAndButter.com today. Thank you for proving, once again ... Solidarity Works! |
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