Union President Defends Clinton From Attack Over Wal-Mart

[rodeodance]

Forum Name General Discussion: Primaries
Topic subject Union President Defends Clinton From Attack Over Wal-Mart Ties
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4314408#4314408
4314408, Union President Defends Clinton From Attack Over Wal-Mart Ties
Posted by KennedyGuy on Thu Jan-31-08 01:35 PM

http://www.observer.com/2008/union-defends-clinton-wal-mart-attack

Although Hillary Clinton severed her ties with Wal-Mart years ago (she sat on the board when Bill Clinton was Governor of Arkansas, but now refuses to accept contributions from the company), Barack Obama raised the issue of Clinton's past relationship with retail giant during the debate in South Carolina.

Now, hours before another Democratic debate, Clinton supporter Stuart Appelbaum, who is also President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, has sent out a public statement defending her record:

“RWDSU families are proud to be in the forefront of the campaign to keep Wal-Mart
from opening in New York City -- and we are equally proud of our close
friendship with Sen. Hillary Clinton.

“We know from experience that Hillary shares our belief that Wal-Mart and other
retailers have a moral responsibility to respect every worker's right to
organize. She has stood with us and has been and continues to be supportive of
our efforts to call attention to Wal-Mart's business practices that hurt
working families. And she has lent her voice to calls for the giant retailer to
change its ways.

“Over the last seven years American workers and their families have been
brutalized by corporate greed and unprecedented government indifference. Based
on our experience we are convinced that, as president, Hillary would work from
day one to restore workers rights and the institution of collective bargaining.

“Some politicians only stand up for labor at election time, but we know from
experience that Hillary will be there for workers and their unions long after
the ballots are counted.”