10 Worst Things Walmart Did in 2014

[xchrom]

http://www.alternet.org/labor/10-worst-things-walmart-did-2014

1. Walmart’s propaganda campaign against OUR Walmart exposed.

In the beginning of the year, leaked documents exposed Walmart’s propaganda campaign against those organizing for better working conditions through the group OUR Walmart. The leaked presentations revealed how corporate Walmart coerces its managers into thinking that unions are out to hurt workers. In one of the presentation’s slides, Walmart wrote sample opinions managers could share with workers, such as “I think unions are a waste of money. You can speak for yourself,” and “In my opinion, unions just want to hurt Walmart and make it harder to run our business. ”

2. Walmart was sued twice for mistreating pregnant workers.

Legal organizations recently filed a second complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of a pregnant worker who was forced to work in unhealthy conditions. Candis Riggins claimed that while cleaning bathrooms in her Walmart store, she was exposed to chemicals that made her ill. After her doctor recommended she be put on lighter duty, Walmart eventually made her a door greeter, though they refused to let her use a stool as they allow other workers. The claim states: “Walmart has engaged in a pattern or practice of gender discrimination against female sales associates.” The organizations filed their first claim earlier this year, but are refiling because Walmart failed to make adequate changes.

3. Walmart steals millions in wages.

Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court recently ruled that Walmart owes workers more than $150 million in stolen wages. Nearly 200,000 workers in the state were forced to work through unpaid breaks and off the clock with no pay. This isn’t the first time this year Walmart was forced to pay millions to workers. In May, Walmart agreed to a $21 million settlement for a decade’s worth of wage theft at a warehouse in California. Employees at the warehouse often worked for less than minimum wage, without required breaks, benefits or overtime compensation. While Walmart tried to claim it had no knowledge of these conditions, a judge ruled that the presence of up to two dozen Walmart managers at the warehouses made them both aware and liable for the conditions at the warehouse.

4. Walmart illegally fires workers.

Earlier in the year, the National Labor Relations Board charged Walmart with illegally firing 19 workers for participating in strikes calling for better conditions. One of the fired workers told Salon, “The federal government is confirming what we already know.… We have the right to speak out, and Walmart fired me and my coworkers illegally.” Terminating workers for participating in labor actions is perhaps Walmart’s most chilling move yet. The NLRB complaint is still undergoing review.

[Enthusiast]

1. Kicked and recommended! Greedy fuckers.

Thank you, xchrom.

[xchrom]

3. ...

[davidpdx]

2. Another good one

K & R

[marym625]

4. my sister was part of a class action suit

Years ago, for the same reasons, not paying during breaks but making them work, and not promoting women. They also weren't allowing people to leave during their lunch breaks. I honestly can't recall what happened with it but obviously not enough to make them stop.

One of the worst things they do, IMHO, besides the pay, is the life insurance they collect on their employees' death. Makes me sick. Disgusting.

I won't watch Hot In Cleveland anymore. I'm actually surprised that Betty White is allowing so much advertising during the show (part of the plot) for such a horrible place.

[Hoppy]

6. The life insurance thingy makes me wonder

why they don't only hire old, retired people. Work them 18 hour shifts. The workers should then be given discount coupons to the fast food they sell at the Walmart stores.

Bonus to the managers that hire seniors with oxygen tanks.

Balls to stools at that Greeter job. Make 'em stand. It promotes thrombosis.

When the insurance claims start coming in, Walmart stock will go through the roof.

[marym625]

8. I'm sure that's exactly why the greeters

Are always older. It's just so disgusting.

[obxhead]

5. k/r

[Feral Child]

7. K&R n/t