Trial Expected to Take Several Days and Involve over Two Dozen Witnesses
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (02/01/2012)(readMedia)-- The employees of the Valley Stream, New York Target Store will finally get their day in court today when Target stores goes on trial for violations of Federal law. The trial today, being held at 1 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, New York is expected to last several days and involve dozens of witnesses. Target is defending itself against over a dozen charges by the National Labor Relations Board accusing Target of widespread violations of Federal law.
"How a company named Target could be so off course when it comes to obeying the law, respecting workers and honoring Democracy is truly ironic," stated Bruce W. Both, the President of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500. "They have failed to grasp the commitment of the workers, our Union and the general public to hold Target accountable for its third world business practices. Today's trial affirms that commitment," Both continued. "After this trial, Target will see more action taken by workers and the Union. They will see more involvement from New York residents and community organizations allied with these workers. They will see the foot print of solidarity go from a Brooklyn courtroom to the floors of their stores," Both concluded.
United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, New York State's largest grocery workers union, began organizing Target Store employees in February of 2011.
Patrick Purcell, Assistant to President Bruce W. Both, said that today's trial could have been avoided. "Target could have easily held a fair & democratic election. Instead of playing by the rules, Target has shown all New Yorkers that they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep their workers from attaining a basic right: respect at work. Today's trial show the government believes their actions were unlawful," Purcell stated.
Purcell questions Targets business strategy. "What's troubling is that Target had an opportunity to become a corporate role model and do the right thing for their employees, customers and shareholders. There is no question that thier customers and investors would have respected that decision and rewarded Target with their continued loyalty. Sadly, instead of helping their employees attain the American dream, they chose a judicial nightmare and earned the scorn of their customers and the closer scrutiny of shareholders," Purcell concluded
UFCW Local 1500 represents 23,000 grocery workers in Long Island, the five boroughs , Westchester, Putnam and Duchess Counties
Connect with Target workers from across the country and join the movement to Change Target on Facebook @facebook.com/targetchange #targetchange.
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