Recap of the NYC Council Hearing: When Walmart Comes to Town

By: Diana Robinson, Food Policy Coordinator

Wal-Mart is the largest private in employer in the country; it also has the largest class action law suit against them for discriminating against female employees. In addition to this it is recognized by Human Rights Watch as the greatest violator of worker rights. So it is no surprise that Wal-Mart was a no show at New York City Council hearing yesterday to discuss Wal-Mart’s labor practices and documented history of discrimination against women.

Before the hearing there was a demonstration in front of the Emigrant Savings Bank where the hearing was held. Protesters held up signs that said “Wal-Mart is Anti Women” and “Wal-Mart sucks the life out of Communities”. They also chanted “Wal-Mart cheats, Wal-Mart hates, Wal-Mart discriminates”. Joining protesters were former Wal-Mart employees from around the country, who testified on their experiences working for Wal-Mart.

During the hearing several panels gave testimony on facts about Wal-Mart’s practices in discriminating against women and violating workers rights. Annette Bernhardt, Policy Co-Director at National Employment Law Project testified that Wal-Mart participates in a practiced called “time-shaving” where if any employee is over 40 Hours they will go into the system and remove the overtime hours to avoid having to pay the employees’ overtime.

Kenneth James a former Wal-Mart department manager testified how after he participated in a press conference to support the Employee Free Choice Act his hours were reduced from 37 hours a week to 18 hours a week; he went on to say that at one point he received a paycheck for $514, and was then forced to live off of $14 for two weeks after having to pay his rent. He also testified that female co-worker also suffered retaliation after participating in the press conference and her hours were reduced to zero.

Councilman Eric Ulrich commented that” We have the toughest laws, Wal-Mart won’t [participate in wage theft] do it here, and that with these economic times any job would be good.” To which Bernhardt responded that is doesn’t matter what laws are in existent if they cannot be enforced because of lack of resources and when the only solution are lawsuits. Councilwoman Melissa Mark Viverito also responded to Ulrich’s comments by saying that New Yorkers ‘don’t just want any jobs, they want good jobs that will help our communities and the people in them grow.’

It was clear throughout the hearing that Wal-Mart has systematic pattern of violating workers rights and discriminating against women: whether it be by cutting pro union workers hours or denying women promotions. Their promise of jobs and low prices isn’t enough for New Yorkers. Wal-Mart’ decision to not appear at the New York City Council hearings and defend its self shows its unwillingness to face the facts and own up to what they have done. It is also insulting to the NYC Council members and the New Yorkers that they represent. How can we allow them to enter our communities if they are not willing to answer our questions and face us?

Friday Morning One Liners...Teixeria joins movement for Employee Free Choice, Local 7 updates...

 "Now more than ever, we need a strong union movement to protect our jobs, our pensions, and our future. The Employee Free Choice Act simply guarantees a level playing field for all workers. It makes sure everyone plays by the same rules. That’s as important in the workplace as it is in baseball."

-  In a joint statement from Jimmy Rollins, Mark Teixeira, and 13 other MLB Players.

UFCW members rally at Fred Myer after the company called the police on union representatives.

UFCW Local 7

Supermarket News: More than a week after contract negotiations broke down again, union grocery employees of Safeway here are demanding that the United Food and Commercial Workers sanction a strike. But it was still unclear Thursday whether an OK was forthcoming.

The Colorado Gazette has more.

The Fresh Market on opening it's first Connecticut store, and first New York store (Troy) "...[We] hope the opening is a sign of continued growth in the Northeast."

Aldi announced two new store openings in Florida.

Current and former Wal-Mart employees in Ohio and 29 other states can now apply for a share of an $85 million lawsuit...Read more about the judges approval of the $85 million lawsuit.

Powering the NYC Economy with Good Grocery Jobs...

Costco has announced they will accept food stamps nationwide. 

Politics, Health Care, Elsewhere....

The House speaker, Nancy Pelosi of California, on Thursday unveiled an $1.055 trillion health care package that would provide insurance to up to 36 million people by broadly expanding Medicaid, the state-federal insurance program for the poor, and by offering subsidies to moderate-income Americans to buy insurance either from private carriers or a new government-run plan...The New York Times has more.

Newsday covers the Nassau County Executive debate between Suozzi and Mangano.

Living without heat in the Bronx, tenants put up signs outside of building asking for help.

More than 200 food vendors held a spirited noon rally on the steps of City Hall. They were protesting police harassment, a charge the NYPD denies.

New York's budget deficit continues to grow, this time $3.2B

And Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Mark Teixeira,  Heath Bell, Dave Bush, LaTroy Hawkins, Torii Hunter, John Lannan, Andrew Miller, J.J. Putz, Justin Verlander and Adam Wainwright have all added their names to the broad coalition to support the Employee Free Choice Act.

Paid Sick Days in NYC, Friday Morning One Liners..

Guillermo Barrera, plans to tell hundreds at a downtown rally on Thursday how he lost his job at a Brooklyn restaurant when he told his boss he needed to go to the hospital.

"She told me I was fired and she never wanted to see me again and I should never return," Barrera, 36, told the Daily News.


Barrera, 36, who worked as a cook at Tina's Place on Flushing Ave. in Bushwick, will be marching across the Brooklyn Bridge today to champion city legislation mandating employers provide workers with paid sick leave.
Read More in the Daily News.

Hundreds of members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 152  voted yesterday on a new four-year contract with Acme supermarkets.

UFCW Local 8 began to picket Fresh & Easy locations throughout California. Supermarket News has more.

Rockaways get a supermarket they've dreamed of, a new Stop & Shop will begin development by winter of this year.

UFCW Unveiled a study that showed Ohio spends roughly $68.5 million a year providing Wal-Mart employees with Medicaid, food stamps and 'welfare'.  You can read the entire report in PDF here.


Must Read: Washington Post: What Makes a Health Plan a 'Cadillac'?


The Villager writes on the possibilities of a 6th Avenue Trader Joe's.

A new report concludes that the NYS Liquor Authority is "fundamentally broken".

Marching for Paid Sick Days in NYC.  The Daily News has more on Paid Sick Days gaining momentum.

Forbes.com asks if Grocery stocks will continue to rise.

UFCW Local 7 Contract update: King Soopers workers will vote on a contract today, while Safeway workers have already voted down their latest contract proposal.

A San Fransisco mayoral candidate writes an open letter to John Mackey of Whole Foods, as they plan to open a new store in the San Fran area, quick excerpt from the letter:

Also, our Board of Supervisors has taken a stand in support of the Employee Free Choice Act pending in Congress.


In Noe Valley, these are important issues given the closure of Real Food for over six years because of an illegal attempt to deny employees the right to union representation.

I believe these issues speak to our values and concerns and I would hope that you might consider alternative views as you seek to expand your work in our great City.

Read the entire letter here at the San Francisco Gate.

Wake Up Wal-Mart & Wal-Mart Watch Merge

WAL-MART WATCH JOINS WAKEUPWALMART.COM TO HOLD AMERICA’S LARGEST PRIVATE EMPLOYER ACCOUNTABLE FOR PROMISES MADE

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced that Wal-Mart Watch has joined with WakeUpWalMart.com to form one organization to maximize the ability for Walmart workers to win a voice on the job and bring change to the entire retail industry. "We find ourselves at a critical moment in our country - working families are struggling to make ends meet, while corporations like Walmart continue to reap record profits," said UFCW President Joe Hansen. "Walmart workers across America are standing up and demanding change, and the UFCW is standing with them to achieve the health care and labor law reforms that will restore and expand the middle class. The UFCW is the labor union for retail workers and we will not let Walmart, as the world’s largest retailer, shirk its responsibility to the 1.4 million employees who work for the company." "As Walmart workers continue to speak out to transform their jobs, we believe they are best served by a single organization dedicated to supporting Walmart workers and holding the retail giant accountable for its actions," said SEIU President Andy Stern. "Walmart has made a lot of promises to working families, and we plan to hold them accountable for making those changes." Walmart earns $34,880 in profit every minute, yet only 50 percent of Walmart workers are covered by the company's health care plan, because Walmart premiums and deductibles are unaffordable. Workers' schedules -- and therefore wages -- are shrinking, and when workers stand up and demand changes, they are confronted with special squad of "attitude" enforcers straight from company headquarters in Bentonville. If workers persist in standing up, they are shown the door. "We are ready for change, and feel that if we stand together, we can change this company for the better from the inside," said Cynthia Murray, an associate from Laurel, MD. "We work too hard to be pushed aside so that company executives can add a few million dollars to their bonuses this year." In April, thousands of Walmart’s 1.4 million associates across the country united to launch Walmart Workers for Change, the largest effort ever by Walmart workers to demand a voice on the job. Workers in more than 100 stores in 15 states across the country have already joined together. This historic action led to the decision by Wal-Mart Watch to unite its strength with WakeUpWalMart.com. Joining with WakeUpWalMart.com will: • Unite hundreds of thousands of activists both online and in neighborhoods across the country to support Walmart workers with one collective voice. • Allow President Obama and Members of Congress to unite with a newly strengthened group invested in transforming the world’s largest retailer. • Create a stronger partner for Walmart Workers for Change, the Walmart workers leading the campaign to create good jobs at Walmart from the inside. • Strengthen efforts to pass the Employee Free Choice Act, which will allow Walmart workers to form unions free from harassment and intimidation; and ensure passage of real and meaningful healthcare reform that holds employers like Walmart accountable.

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The 1.3 million member United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) is America's neighborhood union representing workers in neighborhood grocery stores across the country. UFCW puts dinner on the table for America's families with members working in meatpacking and food processing.

Thursday Morning One Liners..

al-Mart is sparing no expense on their frugal attempts to enter the south-side of Chicago, now they're planning on sponsoring a 'farmers market' in a weak pathetic attempt to be welcomed into the graces of the Chicago citizens. Wal-Mart + Local Famers Market=???

UFCW Local 371 held a Wal-Mart rally.

Displaced Wal-Mart workers fear for benefits.

Wal-Mart got another property valuatinon cut, this time for $1.2 million.

Gaming workers at Bally’s and Caesars casinos in Atlantic City voted overwhelmingly over the weekend to authorize a strike if they are unable to reach a contract agreement with management.

Great editorial: "No excuses left on EFCA [Employee Free Choice Act'"

"Raising the minimum wage is one of the easiest things we can do to give working people a leg up. It's an instant economic stimulus for the people who need it the most."-Dan Cantor, WFP Executive Director, on today's ten cent increase in the minimum wage, in Newsday.

5 New York Democrats holding up Healthcare.

An estimated 123,000 New Yorkers will get a raise on Friday.

City
Ikea slaps a $5 fee for an allegedly "free" water taxi.
More at the Daily News.

A Cancer awareness group is suing Nathan's Hot Dogs.

Monday morning short liners...

Image by myJon via Flickr

The Staten Island Advance writes another article on Pathmark's return to New Dorp.

Delaware ShopRite to open first LEED certified supermarket in the state.

In Boston, a Superior Court judge here who refused to allow Wal-Mart to settle a class-action lawsuit involving off-the-clock work and shortened breaks has scheduled the case to go to trial Oct. 5, according to published reports.

A highly contagious fungus that destroys tomato plants has quickly spread to nearly every state in the Northeast and the mid-Atlantic, and the weather over the next week may determine whether the outbreak abates or whether tomato crops areruined, according to federal and state agriculture officials

In Massachusetts, paperless food stamps easier to use at farmers' markets.

Steven Greenhouse: Democrats cut 'Card Check' from Employee Free Choice Act.

Local 1500 to Bloomberg: Fix up your supermarket plan, King Soopers members reject contract proposal, Thursday One-Liners...

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End of a retailing era, Virgin Megastore shuts its doors in NYC.

Local 1500 tells Mayor Bloomberg to beef up his supermarket plan.

A Food Basics store will open at the site of a former A&P in Fairview, N.J., next week.

A&P is also debuting a new private label for kids.

Why Wal-Mart needs the Employee Free Choice Act.

UFCW Local 1776 members at Acme supermarkets will vote on a contract next week.

Overhill Farms, a major food-processing plant in the L.A. area, terminated more than 200 employees after an IRS audit finds that they had provided 'invalid or fraudulent' Social Security numbers, UFCW 770 calls it a 'desktop raid'.

Here's more on the firings of 254 employees.

UFCW 7 members at King Soopers have rejected the contract offer...On the contract offer:

Roxanne Heeney, a pharmacy technician at the King Soopers store at 6030 Stetson Hills Blvd. and an employee for more than 20 years, said the offer "really bums me out, that they are trying to decrease our benefits and not give us any wage increase. I can't make ends meet now. I want to avoid a strike, but if we have to strike, we will. I would like to see something that would help us maintain our retirement fund so we won't have to work until we're 95."

King Soopers in Colorado, has also filed a suit accusing union representatives of disrupting business and intimidating workers by sending groups of union representatives into stores to talk to workers.

They're set to meet today in court, as King Soopers tries to block the UFCW representatives from speaking to their members on the sales floor.

The Progressive Grocer has an indepth story on King Soopers allegations of "Union Hooliganism"

They're also reporting 'Fresh & Easy' to open four stores in July.

The UFT replaces Randy Weingarten.

A horrific accident took the lives of three workers and injured 41 others in an explosion and roof collapse at the ConAgra Foods Inc. facility in Garner, North Carolina, on June 9, 2009. The (UFCW) Local 204 represents 900 workers in that facility.

Politics

Howard Dean has endorsed both Brad Lander and Josh Skaller, only problem, they're running against each other.

Another poll confirms Patterson's unpopularity.

Senator Monnserratte is now turning to back the Dems.

NYSUT endorses Gillibrand.

The Food Safety Bill continues to advance in the house.

As the Senate reels, Espada says he gets 2 votes

Sen. Pedro Espada, the dissident Bronx Democrat in charge of the deadlocked Senate, is insisting that he can count himself twice to get a quorum to start passing bills. At the same time, he is contending that an investigation into his finances by prosecutors is payback for cozying with Republicans to take over the Senate. Meanwhile, allegations were flying that former Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith of Queens directed state money to a school attended by, in Espada's words, Smith's "out-of-wedlock child."

Friday's One Liners...

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Wild by Nature was recognized for entire approach of sustainability and energy efficiency.

Forbes.com looks at the innovation of Michael Cullen in 1930 in the supermarket industry.

The Nation looks at labor, and all the hats it wears.

Pathmark hosts a saving promotion.

Workers for Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s largest retailer, came to the Capitol in Washington today to urge passage of legislation that would make it easier for them to form a union.

Check out more about yesterday's events here.

A Wal-Mart in Minnesota takes steps toward organizing.

Bruno's gets an extension on Final Sale hearing.

And merchants in the city-owned mall beneath the Manhattan Bridge, at 88 East Broadway, have alleged that they are being extorted by the mall's managers, who they say have demanded cash in exchange for leases and lease extensions.

Colorado Updates

King Soopers Inc. and Safeway Inc. will begin advertising Friday to hire replacement workers should unionized workers go on strike after their contract expires May 9.

Safeway Meat workers OK'd a strike.

The CBS affiliate looks at possibilities of a strike.

The Denver Post makes it clear that the companies are ready for temp-job applications.

Business Journal has more on strike preparations.

POLITICO

NY Times sums up the Mayoral Endorsements.

Andrew Lanza is putting finishing touches on a bill to secede Staten Island from New York City.

What does the Specter switch mean for Employee Free Choice?

Related articles by Zemanta

• Nan Aron: The Price of Freedom at Walmart (huffingtonpost.com)

WALMART WORKERS HOLD HISTORIC NATIONAL ORGANIZING MEETING

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Breaking News:

WALMART WORKERS HOLD HISTORIC NATIONAL ORGANIZING MEETING
Nearly 100 Workers From Across Country Meet With Congressional Leaders

Washington, DC Walmart workers from across the nation are converging today on Capitol Hill for a National Organizing Meeting to brief Senators about wages, benefits and the Employee Free Choice Act. Nearly 100 Walmart workers from 17 states are participating in the event. As part of their campaign for a union voice on the job, they will urge lawmakers to level the playing field for working people by supporting the Employee Free Choice Act.

I made the trip into Washington DC to stand with my fellow Walmart workers and to urge my Senators to pass the Employee Free Choice Act, said Dominique Sloan a Dallas, Texas, Walmart worker. We need change in this country. All you have to do is look at how all the money goes to CEOs. But when it comes to workers, its always the same, no health care or health care thats too expensive and low wages. We need to change that.

The National Organizing Committee is made up of Walmart workers from Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Despite Walmarts well-documented history of anti-working family activities, workers say they are excited by the election of Barack Obama, excited that the President says its not too much to ask Walmart to pay decent wages and provide good health care, and excited that the Employee Free Choice Act can help bring the change that helps workers and makes Walmart live up to its responsibilities.

I have three boys, and I had to get Florida Kids Care to cover their medical, says Cheryl Guzman, a Walmart worker from Miami. Its either you eat, or you have medical coverage, thats not right. Thats why Im part of Walmart Workers for Change.

Ten workers recently shared their stories in a new video, released earlier this week. Workers from the National Organizing Committee will be available to the press today after a Capitol Hill briefing at 10 a.m., in 328 Russell Senate Office Building.

Walmart Workers for Change is a new campaign made up of thousands of Walmart workers joining together to form a union and negotiate better benefits, higher wages, and more opportunity for a better future. The campaign is a project of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). The UFCW represents 1.3 million workers nationwide, with nearly one million working in the supermarket industry. Many of UFCW members also work at national retail stores such as Bloomingdales, Macys, H&M, Modells Sporting Goods, Saks Fifth Avenue, RiteAid, CVS, and Syms.

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Balducci's to close NY stores, Bloomberg is an Independent, Monday Morning One Liners...

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Balducci's will four stores in June, including both New York City locations.

The NY Post has some customer reactions and more on the closing.

The Minnesota Grocery Association is offering free re-usable bags to all customers as part of a campaign to make 'Green your Routine'

The RWDSU held a protest in New Jersey in front of an Auto Parts store where 50 union members protested a 2 year wage freeze and loss of pension funding.

Politics

Atlantic City - The manager of the local Wal-Mart and its exterminator were charged with animal cruelty after they allegedly used inhumane methods to take care of birds that had gotten into the store, the president of the Atlantic County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said Thursday

Wendall Young IV, President of UFCW Local 1776 publicly debated the Employee Free Choice Act with Gene Barr, vice president of Pennslyvania's largest business association.

An executive who led what was once one of the country's biggest electrical wiring companies pleaded innocent Friday to charges that he bribed a union official. Former Petrocelli Electric chairman and principal owner Santo Petrocelli Sr. is accused of making secret payments for a decade to a representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

NY State AG, Andrew Cuomo is looking into charges that liquor stores have been threatening wine-makers who supported selling wine in grocery stores, a debate which ended last week.

Meanwhile, the battle of wine in grocery stores is far from over.

Dozens of migrant workers in Bradford, Markham, Leamington, and East Toronto have been arrested, detained and are likely slated for deportation at the Rexdale Immigration Holding Centre after a series of US style immigration raids carried out by CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) throughout this week.

Daily News: Patterson must improve poll numbers or forget about 2010.

NY State passes $131 million dollar budget.

Newsday looks at how bad the budget is for Long Island.

The Independence Party has endorsed Bloomberg.

Adolfo Carrion is admist another scandal, spending campaign cash for a farewell party.

Former representative John Sweeney now faces a felony D.W.I. charge.

Bruno's to close 38 stores, UFCW Local Authorizes strike, Manhattan gets a Costco...

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Bankrupt Bruno’s Supermarkets Inc. has informed the state that 38 of its 60 Alabama stores may close by mid May, affecting nearly 2,200 employees.

UFCW Local 371 has authorized a strike at 15 A&P locations.

Two UFCW locals have merged into UFCW Local 75.

Looks like Manhattan will be graced with its first Costco.

Reeling from the real estate downturn in the city, construction unions and builders are edging closer to an agreement that they say will reduce labor costs and enable at least some of their projects in Manhattan to proceed despite the weak economy.

Younger shoppers use more online coupons.

NJ Star Ledger: the Employee Free Choice Act, backbone for a strong economy.

Labor leader Denis Rivera praised Mike Bloomberg.

The Daily News looks at Local 1500's early endorsements for the New York City Council.

Bigger Better Bottle Bill is in the new state budget.

Economists Agree "Employee Free Choice is the solution", Thursday Morning One Liners...

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Another top economist agrees 'Employee Free Choice best solution for wage problems in America'

The city’s most vocal advocate for restaurant workers—Restaurant Opportunities Center of New York—will issue its third major report on the restaurant industry in New York City.

Next Tuesday the group will unveil the findings of a study entitled Discrimination in Manhattan’s Top Restaurants Deny People of Color and Women Equal Access to Employment Opportunities. Among the prominent New Yorkers who are attending the event are New York City Council members Rosie Mendez and John Liu, as well as Ed Ott, executive director of the New York City Central Labor Council.

Governor Corzine welcomes Fairway Market to New Jersey.

NJ jobless rate at a 16 year high, Fairway Market brings jobs.

UFCW Local 1099 pickets Rite Aid.

Wal-Mart takes aim at CVS & Rite Aid.

Wal-Mart Stores, is asking for an appeal over the largest gender discrimination suit in United States history.

Albany reaches deal on reforming the Rockerfeller Drug Laws.

Wal-Mart still salivating over NYC, Patterson gets flack for cigg tax, Key Senator on Employee Free Choice

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Wal-Mart continues to a surge into Chicago, still salivating over NYC.

"Chicago and New York, I would say, are the two priorities for the company [Wal-Mart]."- Stock Analyst at William & Blair.

The federal agency charged with enforcing minimum wage, overtime and many other labor laws is failing in that role, leaving millions of workers vulnerable, Congressional auditors have found...We've seen 2 cases in the last month here in New York City.

A Bronx Hospital is fighting Interns and resident Doctors from unionizing, residents say conditions are so bad,they worry for their patients and their own safety.

Governor Patterson's office said Tuesday that the state plans to eliminate nearly 9,000 jobs, mostly through layoffs, after failing to get public employee unions to agree to cost-cutting concessions.

Doormen throughout Manhattan are being laid off in order to cut costs.

Here's more on A&P's new private green label.

A ShopRite & an Aquarium in Connecticut have teamed up to help feed fish and clean up the environment.

Connecticut shoppers react to their new plastic bag tax.

Politics

David Patterson's plan to raise revenue from fees on stores that sell cigarettes came under attack from both parties.

A new report on taxing the rich in NY concludes is a viable solution.

Tom Suozzi says taxpayers should 'revolt' over property taxes.

UFCW urges support of Employee Free Choice Act.

A key Senator, Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) will oppose the Employee Free Choice Act, Specter supported the bill last year.

The New York Times has more on Specter's decision.

& Here's the NY Times on Obama's address last night.

An Employee Free Choice Compromise? More Overtime violations in NYC, Tuesday Afternoon One Liners...

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Whole Foods, Costsco, Starbucks have moved for a Employee Free Choice Act compromise.

The Washington Post has more on the 'executive compromise details.'

The owner of eight Asian restaurants in Manhattan, including Ollie’s Noodle Shop and Grill, agreed to pay $2.3 million to 813 workers in what the State Labor Department called the largest amount ever collected in a single case of minimum-wage and overtime violations.

Whole Foods: Fired over a Tuna Sandwhich.

Civil War Battle Field becomes a potential Wal-Mart site.

Bashas' is expanding their shopping cart sanitation system.

A study confirmed that retail sales will remain weak.

A&P here is readying a new natural/organic private-label line that is scheduled to officially debut next month around Earth Day.

Wal-Mart to give employee bonuses.

More technology carts are sprouting throughout the country.

Ahold gets consumer input on 'healthy ideas'

Foodtown will re-banner as 'FoodKing'

Aldi will debut it's 1,000th store.

SEIU and California nurses association are now working together.

Update on Stop & Shop looking for another Hyde Park location.

Citarella's in Hamptons.

Politics

Just two of 51 council members score 100% on attendance.

Anthony Weiner, who said he's not actively campaigning for mayor and has indicated that he may not run, would still beat Bill Thompson in a Democratic mayoral primary, according to a Quinnipiac poll released this morning.

Peter King rejects bill to tax corporate bonuses.

Connecticut has passed a plastic bag bill, going into effect this week.

Hiram Monserrate reportedly rejected a plea deal before he was indicted.

Proposed Wal-Mart in East Patchogue, BJ's to Brooklyn, Monday Morning One Liners...

Protestors slam the proposed East Patchogue Wal-Mart. [Newsday] More information head to the coalition website www.walmartli.org.

There will be a hearing on a proposed Stop and Shop in Hyde Park on Wednesday .Stop & Shop plans to move from its location at the corner of Route 9 and St. Andrews Road into a new building in the mall where the former Ames building is located on Route 9.

In an effort to acknowledge vendors and/or manufacturers for providing outstanding quality, professionalism and exceptional customer service, D’Agostino Supermarkets, Inc. has created the D’Agostino MVP-Most Valuable Partner Award.

BJ's Wholesale Club will anchor a plaza in Canarsie, Brooklyn.

Steve Forbes will be interviewing John Casimatidis this week.

Safeway workers across Manitoba voted 83% in favor of their new contract yesterday.

Politicos

Labor-Backed Contract Rules are renewed and advanced. [WSJ]

Peter King revokes his support of the Employee Free Choice Act.

Coney Island Zoning update.

NYC Mayoral race update, who will the Dems back?

President Obama pushes "Food Safety"

David Patterson's top policy advisor steps down.

Widen the wine sales? [Newsday]

Threat of Employee Free Choice downgrades stocks, Tuesdays One Liners...

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Both houses of Congress could introduce versions of the Employee Free Choice Act as soon as today, according to reports yesterday.
Read more of this story

Wal-Mart was downgraded from 'buy' to 'hold' by Citi, why? Fear of the Employee Free Choice Act. [Reuters]

Bloomberg News runs down the major players supporting and opposing Employee Free Choice.

South Bronx: One bank per 20,000 residents.

The Fresh Market names a new executive.

Whole Foods will sell 13 stores to settle FTC case.

NYC nearing a launch of new supermarket development plan.

Wal-Mart's Sam's Club has a new CEO.

Nassau and Unions develop plans to save jobs.

Wal-Mart continues large eyebrow raising donations that stir up rumors in Chicago.

Politics

Jack Cafferty: "The GOP is becoming a cartoon"

The Gotham Gazette grades NYC Council members.

Ruben Diaz Jr. launched his campaign for Bronx borough president yesterday with an event at Borough Hall.

Mayoral candidate Bill Thompson supports the millionaire tax.

Do you pay the same tax rate as Donald Trump?

Obama: "We will pass the Employee Free Choice Act,"

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President Barack Obama told AFL-CIO union leaders Tuesday in a videotaped address that the controversial Employee Free Choice Act will pass, signaling his full backing for legislation that makes union organizing easier.

"We will pass the Employee Free Choice Act," President Obama told more than 100 top labor officials in a closed-door meeting at the labor federation's winter gathering in Miami, according to people at the meeting.

Read the entire article at the Wall Street Journal

Check out UFCW's site on the Employee Free Choice Act

Wal-Mart NYC rumors, Food Stamps in NYC, Employee Free Choice

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Wal-Mart NYC Rumors

The Gothamist

The Villager

Other Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart still exploring "food deserts".

Wal-Mart weekly: Employee Free Choice and what it means to the Wal-Mart stock.
From Wal-Mart Watch Daily News Clips:

• Prominent Economists Endorse Employee Free Choice Act [Talking Points Memo]
  The Employee Free Choice Act is not a panacea, but it would restore some balance to our labor markets. As economists, we believe this is a critically important step in rebuilding our economy and strengthening our democracy by enhancing the voice of working people in the workplace.
  

• Many, Many Economists: We Like What the Employee Free Choice Act Does [SEIU Blog]
  Today, in a full page ad in the Washington Post, thirty-eight prominent American economists released a statement, entitled "Passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is critical to rebuilding our economy and strengthening our democracy."

SEIU HEAD ANDY STERN: EFCA COMING SOON

• SEIU head Andy Stern predicts quick action on health care, card-check [USA Today]
  Stern also said there are 60 senators who either support the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) or would vote to cut off a filibuster. He said he expects action by August.
  

Fight against "card check" escalates [Kansas City Star (Mo.)]
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives today launched a pre-emptive strike against the most controversial labor-related bill expected in Congress this year.

Wal-Mart East Patchogue Fight.

NYC

A coalition of retailers and other businesses known as New Yorkers Against Unfair Taxes is planning a demonstration here today to object to a proposed “sin tax” on juice drinks and soda.
Read more of this story

NY Times Editorial: Food Stamps in hard times.

Brooklyn's Red Hook Ikea: Number 1 in the continent.


Politics

Poll: Only 19% of New Yorkers would vote for Gov. David Paterson to full term


Oddities
The National Peanut Board will turn New York City into Peanutopolis on March 4 and March 5 as it introduces its newest advertising campaign for America’s favorite legume, as well as a new slogan: "Peanuts: Energy for the Good Life."

Top Economists agree, Employee Free Choice right for the country

From Wal-Mart Watch Daily News Clips:

• Prominent Economists Endorse Employee Free Choice Act [Talking Points Memo]
  The Employee Free Choice Act is not a panacea, but it would restore some balance to our labor markets. As economists, we believe this is a critically important step in rebuilding our economy and strengthening our democracy by enhancing the voice of working people in the workplace.
  

• Many, Many Economists: We Like What the Employee Free Choice Act Does [SEIU Blog]
  Today, in a full page ad in the Washington Post, thirty-eight prominent American economists released a statement, entitled "Passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is critical to rebuilding our economy and strengthening our democracy."

SEIU HEAD ANDY STERN: EFCA COMING SOON

• SEIU head Andy Stern predicts quick action on health care, card-check [USA Today]
  Stern also said there are 60 senators who either support the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) or would vote to cut off a filibuster. He said he expects action by August.
  

Fight against "card check" escalates [Kansas City Star (Mo.)]
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives today launched a pre-emptive strike against the most controversial labor-related bill expected in Congress this year.

Wal-Mart uses rescession as ally to open new stores in Chicago, Fresh Market and family, Monday Morning News...

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What's the haps with Wal-Mart

Citing the need for new investment to boost the sagging local economy, Wal-Mart is preparing to launch a new push for approval of as many as five new stores in Chicago, sources said Thursday.

Wal-Mart eyes 12 'Food Deserts' in Chicago.

Wal-Mart to cash a check for up to 6 times to state fee in Connecticut.

Grand Jury is calling witnesses for the Wal-Mart stampede this past Thanksgiving.

Springsteen fans: "disappointed" [Wal-Mart deal]

Elsewhere

Fresh Market goes corporate: The 26-year family run 'The Fresh Market' came to an end last week when the Berry family stepped down from CEO position.

A Federal agency declares Bashas' discriminates against Hispanic employees.

Smith's & Food 4 Less ratify UFCW contracts in Las Vegas.

BJ's Wholesale Club goes back to basics.

Politics

New York Times: Patterson's Supermarket Winery's.

More on the debate on selling wine in Supermarkets.

NY GOP to Guiliani: "Help"

Working Families Party pushes forward in Suffolk County.

SEIU, UCFW and other worker rights advocates are escalating their campaign against Republican efforts to obstruct the appointment of Congressmember Hilda Solis as the new Labor Secretary. Solis

Companies and Unions set to square off on Employee Free Choice.

Gillibrand the flip flopper.

Andrew Cuomo, not running for Governor, speaks to conservatives.