Activists Demand Investigation of Wal-Mart's Pro-McCain Policy

[IndianaGreen]

Activists Demand Investigation of Wal-Mart's Pro-McCain Policy

By Joel Wendland

Union activists affiliated with the WakeUpWalMart.com campaign circulated a petition this week via e-mail demanding the Federal Election Commission investigate whether Wal-Mart has violated federal election laws. The multinational corporation, the campaign pointed out, may have broken the law when it held mandatory meetings for many of its employees this summer that appeared to "to intimidate rank-and-file employees into voting Republican."

Last week, an article in the Wall Street Journal revealed that Wal-Mart held mandatory meetings to convince employees that a Democratic victory would mean that Wal-Mart employees might have an easier chance of unionizing Wal-Mart stores and outlets.

Specifically, Wal-Mart told its employees, according to the article, that a Democratic victory will usher in the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. The Employee Free Choice Act has already passed in the US House and would remove barriers faced by workers who want to join labor unions.

The bill essentially imposes heavier sanctions against employers who use illegal threats and harassment to prevent workers from exercising their right to join a union.

Wal-Mart has fought for decades against labor union organizing in its stores. A recent e-mail alert from another organization, Wal-Mart Watch, said, "With weakened workers' rights, Wal-Mart can bully its employees to skip breaks and work 'off the clock' for no pay."

http://www.politicalaffairs.net/article/articleview/7225/

[blondeatlast]

1. What wrapping your corporation in the flag will do; how American:

Convicted of sexual harrassment, trapping employees in locked stores, union-busting, shipping manufacturing jobs overseas by the thousands--now telling employees how to "properly" exercise their civil rights.

"Save money. Live better." :puke:

[janet118]

2. Is Wal-Mart connected to 527 running "secret ballot" ads?

The group listed under the ad I saw in Maine (against Tom Allen who is running for Susan Collins' Senate seat) was (I think) "Americans for a Democratic Workplace" or something to that effect. It was similar to an anti-union ad that has been running nationwide. Both used "Johnny Sac" from the Sopranos as a thug who is trying to take away the "secret ballot" when workers are voting for a union. They are obviously expensive ads.

I don't know much about the union issue except that the so called "secret ballot" issue is framed to benefit the company position. Frankly, it's something the unions should be all over to educate the public.

Would appreciate any info on subject.

[IndependentDem]

3. my mom works at wal-mart... she said she has not heard about this. n/t

[uponit7771]

4. I'm done with Wally world after this stunt, this is disgusting

[intheflow]

5. kick