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The world's biggest retailer, and America's largest private employer, has remained union-free in its conquest of American commerce, until last Friday. 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." No to "open doors" - workers prefer the union 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 attempt to spread false rumors and frighten workers with a flood of specially- trained union-busters from the Bentonville, Arkansas headquarters. These union-busting measures include a half-hour mandatory "captive audience" meeting with management, for which Wal-Mart pays employees for four hours, in an attempt to sway loyalties. Anti-union tactics also include causing lengthy legal delays by arguing over previously settled issues, such as the company used in delaying a vote for over two years in an Illinois store. UFCW has filed charges agains union busting 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 thelaw." 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," saidUFCW Local 540 President John Rodriguez. Friday'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. High profits but poor conditions for workers Wal-Mart has profited by pushing its workers to the bottom of the wage scale. Just over a week ago, the company announced record profits, but Wal-Mart employees have not shared in the company's financial success. Hourly wages at Wal-Mart average $2 to $3 per hour less than at unionized supermarkets. Wal-Mart is the largest private employer in the U.S., yet fewer than 40 percent of its workers are covered by the company's health plan. Most Wal-Mart workers are forced to get health coverage from the government or through spouses' plans. Compensation for harassment and discrimination Juries have awarded millions of dollars to women, minority and disabled workers who have filed harassment and discrimination claims against the retail giant. 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. For further information, contact Greg Denier at press@ufcw.org or Jan Furstenborg at jan.furstenborg@union-network.org
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