Top 13 Stories This Week:

— TOP 13 INDUSTRY/LABOR NEWS ARTICLES FROM THIS WEEK —

1. UFCW rejoins the AFL-CIO.  AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka: “A stronger, more unified grassroots movement of working men and women is exactly what’s needed to raise wages for workers and rebuild an American middle class. Together we are stronger—it’s as simple as that. Together working people have a stronger voice and the power to defend their rights on the job. Together we have a stronger voice in the global economy—the power to counter the excesses of CEOs and the ravages of inequality.” 2.  Check out this story about the Fight for $15...Workers who are fighting, are heroes.  Related: I work for Burger King for $7.15 per hour, here's what it's like. 3. Wish it was unbelievable: Twinkies CEO admits taking worker pensions for more executive pay. 4.  36 Senators just introduced a bill that prohibits any new law for workers' rights. Yea, read that again. 5.  Stop & Shop is cutting 670 jobs and closing ALL of their New Hampshire stores. More @ Supermarket News. 6.  Walmart is paying $190,000 after repeated serious health and safety violations throughout stores.  They're 'vowing' to improve safety issues in over 2,800 stores nationwide. 7. Tesco may close their US stores (Fresh & Easy) 8. Study confirms, consumers are paying more for mislabeled seafood. 9.  After going public, Fairway had a poor first quarter. 10.  Back to school time? Get your union-made school supplies. 11.  A bill was introduced last week that defines full-time work as 40-hours. 12.  via our friends at the NYC Central Labor Council: This Saturday Supermarket  Boycott Resumes: Golden Farm Supermarket on Church Ave. 13. Finally, a Walmart is doing good for the community- Well it's acutally an abandoned Walmart in Texas was transformed into a library.  Wonder what this country would be like if we had more libraries instead of Big-Box stores.

Thursday Morning One Liners:

Arrajj said the supermarket tried to offer union members a $500 store gift card instead. "That doesn't help pay mortgages," he said.

-Dick Arrajj, who has been picketing in front of Shaw's stores in New Hampshire and Massachusetts for more than a week. From Today's Eagle Tribune, Massachusetts Shaw's workers picket at NH stores.

NY Daily News: Patsy's Pizza dishwasher sues for working conditions, compensation and firing

Brooklyn Eagle: More and more stores are going 'bagless' in Brooklyn.

WSJ: Some Harlem developers are having second thoughts on retail in Harlem.

A few years ago, real-estate developers had aggressive plans to bring trendy retail and office space to inner-city communities, which were attracting a growing middle class. Now, some of those developers are having second thoughts.  More @ WSJ.

Progressive Grocer: Walmart Opens 1,000th Money Center, Plans 500 More...

Walmart celebrated the grand opening of its 1,000th Walmart MoneyCenter in Chalmette, La., this week as it gears up to add another 500 locations this year.
“Walmart MoneyCenters are a cornerstone of our business and were specially created to give customers a welcoming environment where they can save when they cash checks, pay bills and transfer money,” said Jane Thompson, president, Walmart Financial Services. “Customers ask when their stores will get a Walmart MoneyCenter, so we are delighted to announce the expansion into approximately 500 more stores.”

Michelle Obama to food makers: Hurry up on Healthy Food!

You can check out BJ's Q4 Earnings Conference Call here.

Supermarket News: A&P has begun sending shoppers offers via text message and linking savings to their loyalty card when a reply message is received. Discounts are applied automatically when the card is swiped at the checkout.

Shaw's

Masssachusett's Shaw's workers picket at New Hampshire stores

Dick Arrajj has been picketing in front of Shaw's stores in New Hampshire and Massachusetts for more than a week. Arrajj has worked in the Methuen warehouse that ships food to Shaw's stores across New England for 20 years.

Along with other members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 791, Arrajj said he doesn't want to strike, but will continue until the supermarket and union make a deal.

Even though none of the employees in New Hampshire Shaw's stores are members of the union, Arrajj said customers have been sympathetic to their cause.

Arrajj said the supermarket tried to offer union members a $500 store gift card instead.

"That doesn't help pay mortgages," he said.

Show your support for Shaw's workers on Facebook and by signing the petition!

Politics, City & Nation

Steve Levy, the former Democratic Suffolk County Executive, announced he will switch parties and run for Governor of New York.  More @ New York Times.

Democrat & Chronicle: Fight over grocery stores' right to sell wine escalates.

NY Times: Democrats Inch Towards Securing Votes for Health Bill

NY Times: Jobs Bill passes with 11 Republican votes.

Crain's: Unions slam NYC Congressman over Health Care

The Obama health insurance overhaul has Democratic Rep. Mike McMahon caught between conservative constituents who oppose reform, and unions threatening to derail his political career if he rejects it.

Whole Foods calls FTC pursuit a waste of time, BJ's Wholesale Club finds a new CEO, more one liners...

via FlickrImage by Storm Crypt via Flickr

Study shows an 84% increase in shoplifting.

Whole Foods CEO John Mackey said that the Federal Trade Commission's pursuit of antitrust claims in his company's acquisition of Wild Oats is "almost a vendetta" and is wasting time and money

Here's another story about getting locally grown food to Long Island schools.

Black Friday Death

Crain's reports the results from the Wal-Mart 'Black Friday' hearing yesterday.

Wal-Mart Organized in Canada

If you didn't hear another Wal-Mart was organized in Canada, the Mayor of the town is worried Wal-Mart will close the store.

Wal-Mart to purchase more from India

Wal-Mart spokesperson: "We will purchase around $630 million worth of goods directly from India this year - mostly apparel, home furnishings, textiles, shoes and jewelry. This is about 40% more than 2005. In addition, we purchase another $1.2 billion worth of goods from suppliers who source from India. We anticipate similar growth in the next year or two.”

The Asia Times questions if WakeupWal-Mart's advertising strategy is too aggressive....Their latest ad is available here.

BJ's Wholesale Club has a new CEO.

Fresh Market is opening a store in New Hampshire. They're still active in looking to open a store in either Long Island or upstate NY.

And Anthony Weiner is still running for Mayor.