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Wal-Mart's appeal is
rejected: Labour Relations Board certifies Jacksonville vote to join UFCW - company was 'inherently inconsistent' Ten meat department workers at the Jacksonville, Texas Wal-Mart Supercenter made history last February by becoming the first Wal-Mart workers in the country to vote for union representation. The NLRB made the workers' victory official by certifying the election after months of desperate, legal maneuvers by the giant retailer to overturn the pro-union vote and deny the clear wishes of employees. In rejecting the company's appeal, the NLRB hearing officer characterized Wal-Mart testimony as "inherently inconsistent." The meat department workers, who are demanding immediate contract negotiations, pointed to the company's contrived claims against their union vote as more evidence of Wal-Mart's double-talking employment practices. Wal-Mart continues to refuse negotiations Even though the board's decision requires Wal-Mart to enter negotiations with UFCW Local 540, the company has notified the UFCW that it will continue to disobey the law by refusing to negotiate. UFCW attorneys filed charges, asking the board to use every measure of the law to force Wal-Mart to respect the meat department workers' choice for union representation. The board responded by deciding to prosecute Wal-Mart for not respecting workers' rights and refusing to bargain. "No matter how much double dealing Wal-Mart pulls on its workforce, the UFCW will not turn our backs on Wal-Mart employees who deserve better," said Mike Leonard, UFCW Director of Strategic Programs. "The Jacksonville workers are just the first of many who will show the country it can be done--unionized workers can make Wal-Mart a better place to work." Nationwide Wal-Mart employees are standing up for a voice on the job. Frustrated by poor treatment, tire and lube express employees at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in New Castle, Pa. filed a petition with the labor board last June to exercise their voice for a choice with UFCW Local 880.
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