Showing posts with label Target Corporation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Target Corporation. Show all posts

Monday, May 5, 2014

Target Chairman & CEO Gregg Steinhafel is OUT, Here's Why:


5 months after what could be the biggest credit and debit breach in United States history, 36 months after being federally charged and found guilty of violating federal labor laws that protect Target employees, 9 months after an internal memo leaked on "Multi-Cultural Training Tips" to manage Hispanic workers, 1 month after his company's second anti-union video surfaced, and just a few months after receiving another award for World's Most Ethical Retail Employer from Episphere, Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel has finally resigned.



Top 5 accomplishments under CEO Gregg Steinhafel:

  1. Target Corp. Found Guilty of Violating Federal Labor Laws and Rights of Employees (their entire "Employee Manual" was also found to be unlawful, ordered to be changed)
  2. Offensive Memo of "Multi-Cultural" Training Tips on Managing Hispanic Employees Leaked
  3. Released two "Cheesy" and Illegal Anti-Union Videos, Forcing Employees to Watch Them (See for yourself, video 1 and video 2: the new 2012 version)
  4. Gregg took a modest 83% raise in 2010, bringing his salary to $23.9 million
  5. Massive Data Breach: When the final numbers are tallied, the data breach could be the largest in United States history.  via AP: To date, the data breach compromised 40 million credit and debit card accounts between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15. Then on Jan. 10, the company said hackers also stole personal information — including names, phone numbers as well as email and mailing addresses — from as many as 70 million customers.
     
Though his tenure inspired courageous workers throughout the country to stand up and demand change from the country's third largest employer, the resignation is long overdue.    We urge the future Target chairman and CEO to not only focus on consumer responsibility, but employee responsibility. Target workers are the force behind the bullseye, and they deserve respect, as well as voice at work.  The time for change is now, Target has a wonderful opportunity to show they're committed to respecting workers, now is the time to take the step in that direction.


Throwback handbill during the union campaign in 2011 at Valley Stream Target
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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Targeting Latinos

via Huffington Post

Former Target employees are suing the company for discrimination, citing a company document that was distributed to managers with racist reminders that not all Hispanics eat tacos and burritos, or wear sombreros.  The suit claims Target gave its warehouse managers a document entitled, "Organization Effectiveness, Employee and Labor Relations Multi-Cultural Tips," the document had six talking points ranging from burritos to sombreros addressing how to manage Hispanic employees.   According to the suit, the Multi-Cultural training document stated :
a. Food: not everyone eats tacos and burritos;b. Music: not everyone dances to salsa;
c. Dress: not everyone wears a sombrero;
d. Mexicans (lower education level, some may be undocumented);
e. Cubans (Political refugees, legal status, higher education level); and
f. They may say 'OK, OK' and pretend to understand, when they do not, just to save face. 
"We're not surprised by Target handing out such insensitive material," Director of Special Projects Aly Waddy said, "I've spoken to hundreds of Target workers, most of whom have claimed to be discriminated against in some way.  We also saw tremendous racial discrimination by managers in Valley Stream against West Indian workers.  So sadly, it's not a surprise they'd put out such a tactless document."

The document comes at a time where Target's new marketing strategy actually targets hispanic and latinos.  "We are going to source dominant presentations of Latino and Hispanic merchandise through the entire store," Target chief executive officer Gregg Steinhafel told MPR News in May. "It's a big effort that we have internally to really stretch ourselves and jump way out in front." With racist management tips like these, Target shows one face on how they really view Hispanics, while the other side salivates in greed to take advantage of our countries fastest growing demographic.

UFCW Local 1500 shined the national spotlight on the working conditions at Target two-years ago when Target was found guilty of violating federal labor laws in a Union election with our union.  Whether it's at big box retailers like Walmart, Target or Fast-Food establishments like Burger King, Wendy's and McDonald's, workers are fighting back against unfair wages, dreadful working conditions, ridiculous company policies, and discrimination like these "Multi-Cultural Tips".  Workers at these companies want what we all have as Union members, respect at work and protection against discrimination.   Join your union organizers by calling Aly Waddy at 516-422-1322 and help the campaign to Change Target at www.facebook.com/targetchange.


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Friday, May 10, 2013

Top 11 Industry Stories From This Week



— TOP 11 INDUSTRY/LABOR NEWS ARTICLES FROM THIS WEEK —

1.  Last week Target was found guilty of violating federal labor laws by the National Labor Relations Board.  Target respectfully disagrees, still.

2. In a shocking development, rescuers have a found a trapped woman in the rubble, 17 days after a garment factory in Bangladesh collapsed, killing over 1,000.

3. A judge has dismissed claims against former A&P executives.

4. Walmart has launched a new image campaign.

5.  Detroit has joined the Fast Food Strike!  Fast Food workers throughout Michigan have gone on strike today, demanding better working conditions.

6. Whole Foods is mulling larger stores, and acquisitions.

7. Is the embattled Walmart CEO, Mike Duke, contemplating stepping down? UFCW has been calling for the CEO to step down since the Mexican bribery scandal was uncovered.

8.  Why do we need Unions again? A Pregnant T-Mobile employee was forced to use vacation time to use the restroom, then fired for 0.12 cent error. 

9.  The invisible epidemic of Wage Theft: When Your Boss Steals Your Wages, a Top Trend in American Corporations.

10. Construction is well under way for the new Aldi Food Market on Nostrand Ave.

11.  Make this Mother's Day Union Made! Check out the UFCW Union-Made Mother's Day Gift Guide!





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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

NLRB Finds Target Corp. Guilty, Again

Happy May Day! The NLRB has found Target guilty again!

May Day Victory for Target Store Workers Federal Government Orders New Union Election 
Company Ordered to Change Policy Manual Throughout the Nation  


Read the entire NLRB decision here
As workers around the world unite today in May Day Celebrations demanding better working conditions, economic justice and the right to join and form a Union, the United States National Labor Relations Board reminded one world's largest retailers they are not above the law. The NLRB today, by affirming an administrative law judge's decision of May 2012, ordered a new Union election be held at the Valley Stream, New York Target Corporation store and that Target Corporation cease and desist all illegal activities that voided the first Union election.

The workers at the Valley Stream Target were seeking Union representation from United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 based out of Westbury, New York when Target engaged in violations of Federal labor law. Also, in a broad sweeping decision that will affect all current Target employees nationwide, the NLRB ordered Target to modify all existing and future employee handbooks throughout the Country and remove all wording that the NLRB found violated federal labor law.

This ruling will apply to over 1,700 Target stores and 250,000 employees in the United States. A decision of this scope breadth is unprecedented as it relates to retail workers and stores.

"This is an overwhelming victory for Target workers not just in the Valley Stream Target but throughout the United States," stated Bruce W. Both, President of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500. "It is especially satisfying that the decision be announced as workers around the world today are celebrating May Day and sending the message that working men and women will fight every day, for as long as it takes until irresponsible corporations like Target respect our nation's laws, the laws of other Nations and the rights of their workers to form and join a Union," Both continued. "I am calling on Target shareholders to demand that their company cease any further frivolous and costly legal appeals, honor the NLRBs orders and respect their employee's civil rights. It is time for Target to Target Change in their own company," Both concluded.

Today's NLRB ruling upheld a May 18th, 2012 administrative law judge's decision that Target maintained illegal no –solicitation policies, threatened employees with closure of the Valley Stream store should they vote for the Union, created an impression of illegal surveillance, conducted coercive employee interrogations, threatened employees with discipline for supporting the Union as well as several other violations of Federal labor law.

"Target acted as if the laws of this Country did not apply to them and as if their employees had no civil rights whatsoever, " stated Aly Waddy, Director of Special Projects for UFCW Local 1500. "It was shocking to all of us involved that this once proud company would get in the gutter with the Wal-Mart's of the world and prove to be no better when it comes to responsible treatment of their employees and their respect for federal law. Hopefully today's loud and clear decision from the Federal government will affect the needed change at Target and reverse their irresponsible business practices," Waddy concluded. UFCW Local 1500 pledged to continue the campaign "Target Change" and bring its case to elected officials, community leaders and workers at Target stores all over New York State.

"Today is an historical day in the campaign to effect real change at Target and proves that Targets current business model is one based on the suppression of worker's rights, deceiving the public about their treatment of their employees and a continued trend towards becoming Wal-Mart Junior, " stated Patrick Purcell, Assistant to the President of UFCW Local 1500. "UFCW Local 1500 and its Target Change Campaign intends to shine the brightest light on what is increasingly becoming a company with dark business practices," Purcell concluded.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 is New York states largest union representing over 23 000 employees in Suffolk, Nassau, Westchster, Putnam and Dutchess County as well all five boroughs of New York City.

Follow UFCW Local 1500 @ufcw1500 and on Facebook.com/ufcw1500

Read the entire NLRB decision here

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Related: Check out why Target was on Trial last year in the first place.

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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Tuesday's News Bites: Walmart- Not Made in America.



Not Made in America: 10 Ways Walmart Destroys US Manufacturing Jobs. 
Why is it that America no longer makes things the way we used to? Between 1980 and 2011, the United States lost 7 million manufacturing jobs.

ProGrocer: UFCW Local 5 authorizes strike.


UFCW/RWDSU Local 338 has been fighting to help workers at a small grocery store named Golden Farms in Brooklyn and is now fighting for a contract.

Walmart workers marched throughout LA last weekend, say no thanks to the giant retailer opening in the historic Chinatown. Tom Morello of Rage also joined the Walmart march/protest this weekend.

Around 1,700 UFCW Local 4 members in Montana have agreed to a contract with Albertson's, Safeway and Van's.  Contract includes 2.5% wage increases and added contributions to health and pension plans.

AFL-CIO has a great little page summing up all the union products you can buy to make your Fourth of July union-made!

The Obama Administration has named two UFCW officials to important Trade Advisory Committees.

Target has started the hiring process for some Canadian stores.

Speaking of Target, they failed to mention any corporate wrong doing in their annual corporate responsibility report, even as they were federally charged (and convicted) of violating their workers' rights.

And somehow Target was named as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies in 2011. Former Target employees started a petition to have them removed from the list! Sign it now! http://signon.org/sign/ethisphere-remove-target

Whole Foods just isn't catching on in the UK, they're losing millions.

Alabama Poultry workers vote to stick together, join the RWDSU! Congratulations!


Remember to buy union, and have a safe fun Fourth of July!

Monday, June 25, 2012

World's Most Ethical Company!?

Ethisphere, an international think-tank, named Target Corp. one of the World's Most Ethical Companies in 2011! (This could be the title of an Onion article)  

We all witnessed how Target acted last year when their employees from Valley Stream banded together and demanded more from the company.  Target was literally federally charged in 2011 for violating their workers rights, yet today they find themselves on a list of the world's most ethical companies.  Target is not even the most ethical company in Valley Stream Long Island, let alone the rest of the world.

Act now! Sign the petition to have Target Corp. removed as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies!  http://signon.org/sign/ethisphere-remove-target

Head to facebook.com/targetchange hear what Target workers have to say!



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Thursday, May 31, 2012

The Register: June 2012 Edition

UFCW Local 1500's quarterly paper, The Register, is available online now! 

Inside this edition:

Download it  today!





Tuesday, May 22, 2012

NLRB Judge Overturns Valley Stream Target Vote

The National Labor Relations Board has ruled Target violated the numerous federal labor laws in an effort to keep their employees from joining the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 last June. The ruling is a victory for all working men and women whose rights have been trampled on countless times by mega-retailers like Target & Walmart.  These retailers act as they are too big and too powerful to be held accountable for their disregard of workers’ rights.

Target is a company where the need for change is blatantly obvious.  The ruling confirms Target had no regard for the law or the civil rights of their employees, poisoning the democratic election process in order to keep their employees at Valley Stream from joining our Union and gaining better working conditions.

The brave workers from Valley Stream withstood flagrant attacks on their civil rights, captive audience meetings, anti-union video brainwashing, threats and scare tactics during last year's union election.  As one of the largest retail employers in the country, Target could – and should – lead the way in making sure that retail jobs are good jobs—not jobs where core American values and rights are trampled on in order to resist employees from joining together to demand better from their employer.

Target's actions last June were an injustice to workers' rights throughout our country along with the one ideology our nation was built on, democracy. Workers have a right to band together and join a union, though retailers like Walmart and Target will do anything too keep them from achieving this through a fair process, including disregarding the very fabric our country was built upon, democracy.




Friday, April 27, 2012

Off Target with Valley Stream Closure

Off Target with Valley Stream Store Closure

Target in Valley Stream will close April 28, 2012 at 10:00 PM purportedly to remodel the store for the sale and storage of fresh groceries.   This Target location was the site of an important campaign last year by employees to seek union representation by our Union, UFCW Local 1500.   Target Corp. has remodeled over 900 stores across the nation since 2009, bringing groceries to the newly remodeled stores.

At face value, the procedure seems ordinary: close the store temporarily and then open back up with a brand new grocery section.  But Valley Stream Target #1262 is far from ordinary.  The store will become the first Target in the country to close for a remodel, a move that will replace and displace all of the store’s employees (only employees in “good standing with the company” were offered job placements or transfers) when the store plans to reopen in November 2012.  Most remodels and renovations take two-three months at most to complete.   Why then, is Target closing the store for seven-months?

In response to our Union’s accusations (and charges filed at the NLRB) claiming its closing is retaliatory, Target argues a store in Portland, Oregon will close for a similar remodeling.   It’s true that store is closing, but for no more than two-months.  Additionally, Target has not filed any WARN notice with the Oregon Department of Labor, meaning employees at the store will have the option to retain their jobs and will not be displaced/replaced.  What makes Target in Valley Stream such a complicated remodel?

It just so happens that following a February 2012 trial, charges of unfair labor practices against Target at Valley Stream are pending before an Administrative Law Judge of the National Labor Relations Board.    The ALJ will determine whether the company violated federal labor laws and intimidated employees during a failed union election last June.  We expect the ALJ to find that Target committed numerous unfair labor practices, which could result in an order for a second, fairer election this year. A result expected to be handed down during the convenient ‘renovation’ period.

Of course, the current workforce will be dispersed and most employees, including union supporters, will not be returned to the store ever.  Therefore, if the closing goes ahead, many current employees and union supporters will be ineligible to vote in a second election.

Target is closing tomorrow, April 28, 2012 for ‘renovations’ and I wish they really intended on renovating their store, but as of April 20, 2012, the company has yet to secure a building permit from the Village of Valley Stream.   As a result, it is unlikely that construction will begin any time soon and almost impossible for the store to reopen on November 11, 2012, as purportedly planned.

To me, it seems the only renovations they’ve been planning, is renovating the courageous employees who came together last year to improve their jobs, families and lives by exercising their constitutionally protected rights.

The employees at Target Valley Stream deserve to be heard.  They are being punished for exercising their constitutional rights.  Sitting back and allowing Target to operate with such indifference for their employees will, as UFCW President Joe Hansen put it,  "further embolden companies like Target and Wal-Mart, who seek to squash worker rights in the pursuit of unfettered control of our economy."




Monday, April 16, 2012

Monday Mornin' One Liners

Hope you all had a great weekend, here's some quick updates: 

A federal judge has ruled against the NLRB union posting,

UFCW Local 1776 members from Tops Market ratify a new 3-year contract.

Local 464a ratified a new agreement with Foodtown on Friday.

Walmart says they're ready for Target's competition in Canada.

Target is breaking ground on a new $103 million dollar food distribution center in Ohio.

A new study reveals that Walmart and other big-box stores are linked to the creation of hate groups.


Walmart CEO made $18.1 million last year.

Whole Foods is opening up in Detroit, vowing to supply the store locally.   The CEO also pledged to make the store, the 'best Whole Foods has to offer.'


_




Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Wednesday Morning News Briefs: Stop & Shop's Ridiculous Social Media Policy, Honoring Dr. King

The original Stop and Shop logo used until 2008.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Last week we filed charges with the NLRB against Stop & Shop's social media policy.  "It's our belief that Stop and Shop has implemented a social media policy that is vague, overboard and in violation of the civil rights of our members employed at their stores," said Secretary-Treasurer Tony Speelman.

The news of the charge got some media attention:

The Brand Channel called it a "a closely watched case that could impact employees' use of social media," The New Haven Register, ABA Journal, Law 360, Delaware Employment Law Blog, Lexis-Nexis, Inside Counsel, News & Insight,  Perishable News and Thompson Reuters all covered the filing.

A 73-year Suffolk County old woman is suing the world's largest retailer, Walmart, for age discrimination. More @ NYPost.

Great news, Walmart looks to source more farm items from India.  They're also close to winning their battle to open marketside shops in San Fran.

The Economic Populist writes how Walmart's Low Prices Bear High Costs for Americans.


Walmart and Pathmark were voted America's worst supermarket chains.

Switching over from an A&P store front isn't the solution either, in Maryland operators who took over for shuttered A&P stores are having lots and lots of difficulty says a report from Supermarket News.

H-Mart, the Asian-American chain takes over for a shuttered Pathmark in Hartsdale, NY.

Align is Challenging Walmart's New York expansion.

Walmart is also asking for community input from all communities they're trying to set up shop in, all except New York, fuggedaboutit.

Customers were handed this handbill last week
What's going on at Target Valley Stream? Well they're closing the store this month and last week we held an action to gain public support to keep the store open.

The New Amsterdam News & Think Progress wrote on the store closing.

In Canada, Target is trying to fire all former employees (some of them unionized) of the company they bought out, Zellers, the UFCW is fighting against it.

Last week we met with our Canadian brothers and sisters to discuss Target, and the Walmartization of Target stores.

Bargaining 
Local 1262 OK'd a new contract with ShopRite & Stop and Shop.

Local 400 ratified a contract with Giant, Safeway yesterday.  More @ The Washington Post.

Contract negotiations between Foxwoods Resort Casino management and the union for some 2,200 table-games dealers are about to enter an arbitration phase with the sides far apart on wages, health insurance and other issues.

American Airlines is asking a bankruptcy judge to break their union contracts, impose cuts on workers.

Social Justice: 89,000 PA kids in poverty were slashed from Medicaid.

Aldi has opened its second Long Island store in Lake Grove, read more at Newsday.

More Long Island news, Best Yet has launched a new banner: Best Market.

NY1: Compromise may have scaled down the soon to be passed living wage bill.

UFCW President Joe Hansen calls for a Congressional Investigation on NLRB leaks.

The New York Observer says bigger isn't always better, highlighting Target's and Walmart's new strategy for smaller format stores.

The NY Daily News looks at RWDSU/Make the Road's campaign to organize New York's Car washers.

44 years ago today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot.  We eternally honor him.






Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Target Corp. Federal Trail for Violations of Workers' Rights Begins Today

Target Corporation Goes on Trial Today in Brooklyn, New York for Violations of Federal Law
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.





Friday, January 6, 2012

Monday Morning One Liners: More Assualts on Unions, Target Teams with Apple



Excellent Editorial in the New York Times: Continuing Assault on Unions focuses on the relentless, shameful attack by the Republican party on unions and workers' rights, in a time and economy when we need them most.

A proposed bill in New Jersey would allow NJ residents to get Jersey vineyard wines shipped right to their homes.

Alec Baldwin was dropped as the Wegman's earlier this week, then re-hired once customers were outraged.

The Nation highlights UFCW's campaign to Change Walmart.

Walmart is buying up more and more social media companies.

Last week Walmart was Blacklisted by one of the world's largest pension funds.  The reason? Poor labor practices and their anti-union/worker stances.  Sixteen other companies were blacklisted along with Walmart, nearly all of them excluded for producing chemical or nuclear weapons that violate the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.  Check out Lila Shapiro's piece in the Huffington Post:
Walmart typically shrugs off criticism of its labor practices as union-driven propaganda and insists that its employees are happy and well-managed, but investing experts say that when one of the largest pension funds in the world divests, the company would be wise to listen to the message. It's the same message the American labor movement has been pushing for decades.

Great article from Grist, looks at the dominance Walmart is gaining on our entire Food System and why we should be scared:
We had a leak in the cooler that didn't get fixed for a month and all this moldy food was going out on the floor." Walmart doesn't accept the idea that "a supermarket takes any skill to run," she said. "They treated the produce like any other kind of merchandise."
A&P announced the launch of plans to deploy a category optimization solution to "help enhance its merchandising strategy and improve the customer experience across its more than 300 northeast and Mid-Atlantic stores."

In Belleville, NJ, a Pathmark who was a community fixture for over 30 years, and fell victim to store closings, remains vacant over one year later.  Though the community remains hopeful.  

Hooray! (sarcasm) Apple mini-stores are coming to Target.  A perfect match for the employer who faces federal labor law charges (Target) and the company where they reward their employees in titles like Geniuses, and not pay, benefits or basic rights at work.  Looks e-harmony couldn't have matched these two any better.

Last week the National Labor Relations Board announced they would be adding more labor charges to the existing federal charges Target Corp. faces for allegedly violating the law in the weeks leading up to the union election in June, 2011.

Meanwhile Target reported increased December sales but missed expectations.

Number 8 on Brooklyn Papers top 12 to watch for in 2012 is a Brooklyn Walmart, Big Box store.

Workers at VPH Pharmacy, a Michigan-based distributor of pharmaceutical products, recently won the right to join UFCW Local 876!!

International President, Joe Hansen, appluaded President Obama's recess appointments.
“We applaud President Obama’s recent decision to fill vacant posts at the National Labor Relations Board and the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau and. These agencies play an important role in safeguarding the rights of workers and their families..."

In California, retailers are being fought on alcohol sales at self-checkouts.  Most retailers are complying says the SF Chronicle, but Fresh & Easy is struggling following the newly passed law.

Good Read: Paul Krugman in his latest piece for NY Times, "Unlevel Playing Field" says it's a fiction that GOP and Romney care about equal opportunity.

Uh-oh alert...Wall-Street employees are threatening to quit if their bonuses aren't enough.

Whole Foods is closing their Dallas Bake-house.

Trader Joe's
is opening up in Albany, their first store in the capital region makes the Business Review ponder if  other retailers follow them.

via AFL-CIO Blog: The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) urged the Indiana state legislature to reject a so-called right to work bill. “As Indianapolis proudly prepares to host the Super Bowl,” says the union, “it should be a time to shine in the national spotlight and highlight the hardworking families that make Indiana run instead of launching political attacks on their basic rights.”

Last week, the awesome union employer, Fairway Market, not only does right by their employees but does great for their community.  Ten percent of all sales made during the seven-hour period at Fairway locations in Red Hook, Douglaston and Plainview goes straight to the fund created shortly after Officer Figoski was killed to help his four daughters attend college.  Check out the story @WPIX.  Great job, Fairway!

And just for fun, a man was arrested at a Walmart last week for trying to use a $1 million dollar bill.








Thursday, December 1, 2011

Monday's News Afternoon:

Asbury Park Press: Workers approve contract to keep A&P afloat.  More @ NJ.com

UFCW International released a statement from President Joe Hansen on NLRB Election Rule.

Republicans are panicking about the NLRB rule change.

Stop and Shop is set to buy 3 King Kullen stores.

Buying holiday gifts made in America can help create jobs!

Huffington Post looks at Walmart's latest Chicago express store.  The store is 14,800 square feet and is expected to employ 45 people.

TheStreet.com says this is Walmart of the future.

The UFCW is Battling Target in Canada:

Target purchased many unionized stores for their Canadian expansion, the UFCW Canada is asking their labor board to declare Target as a successor employer, which would require Target to recognize the union as representing employees at that location after it becomes a Target store!  Target is claiming their acquisition of the stores was strictly for real estate.

More @MinneapolisBusinessJournal: Target faces union push in Canada.





Wednesday, November 23, 2011

UFCW President Joe Hansen: Stand With Workers This Thanksgiving

United Food and Commercial Workers

UFCW International President Joe Hansen has written an excellent editorial on respecting retail workers featured in the Huffington Post.

Stand With Workers This Thanksgiving
By Joe Hansen 

International President, United Food and Commercial Workers

When one retail worker speaks out and takes public action against unfair scheduling practices, it's a media story. When his coworkers stand with him and speak with one voice, they've got a union, and that's the best way to make real change.

Anthony Hardwick, a retail worker at a North Omaha Target store, has drawn headlines by petitioning his employer to return to traditional opening hours on Black Friday instead of pushing up the opening to Thanksgiving Day. Across the country, thousands of retail workers at stores like Target and Walmart are facing a Black Friday work schedule that leaves them with no time to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner with their families.

Scheduling issues are consistently a top concern for retail workers. Many workers want more hours and a consistent, full-time schedule they can count on to support their families. But there's a double-edged sword for workers who put in long hours and forego family time over the holiday weekend: instead of seeing a reward for their hard work and loyalty in their paychecks, many will see their hours cut back in the days following the holiday so retailers can avoid paying overtime.

Even though their on-the-job conditions are often overlooked, retail workers are the backbone of our service economy. Millions of Americans work these jobs, and retail is one of the only sectors of our economy that is growing. Retail jobs are going to define how it is to live and work in America the way that manufacturing jobs once did. It is vital that retail jobs are secure, full-time jobs that pay the bills and allow people to live a middle class life.

That's why it matters for all of us when Anthony Hardwick has no voice to make holiday scheduling work for his family or demand fair compensation for working on a holiday. Americans know the way Anthony and his co-workers are being treated is unfair and wrong; over 175,000 people have signed a petition in support of Anthony. But for real change, Anthony's concerns over scheduling and holiday pay need to be heard by his managers. The best way that retail workers can have a say over holiday scheduling is by sticking together in a union and negotiating for those changes directly from their employer.

The UFCW and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Council of the UFCW represent workers at grocery stores, but also at stores like Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Modell's and H&M. Union retail workers earn premium pay for work on holidays. Their union contract guides fair scheduling. In these stores, many workers choose to take holiday shifts that might pay time-and-a-half or double-time union wages; as opposed to workers at stores like Target or Walmart who often work holiday shifts out of fear of losing their jobs and may not earn premium pay for these grueling shifts.

We all make compromises with our time over the busy holiday season. Sometimes it is traveling to see the in-laws. Other times it is working long hours over Thanksgiving weekend so that we can provide a magical Christmas morning for our children. When retail workers are given a voice in holiday scheduling, they can respect the needs of their families; whether that need is a loved one's presence at home or the need to earn additional income over the holidays.

Respect for the retail workers who are the heart of events like Black Friday means fair compensation for holiday hours and a voice in scheduling. When we support workers coming together to make positive changes in the workplace, we all win.

Click here to sign the petition to stand with Walmart employees and other retail workers who are sticking together to have a say over their schedules during the holidays.


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Friday, September 23, 2011

Week's End News Briefs:

It's Hispanic Heritage month at the UFCW!

Why is Target's glamor continuing to fade? Business Week highlights the reasons, one of them being their dreadful labor practices...Or a former Target executive sums up the retailer’s existential moment this way:
“Target has been able to hide behind Wal-Mart’s size, and I don’t think it can do that anymore.”
A supermarket in Brooklyn faces over $62,000 in fines for locking night-shift workers inside the store.

The New York City Council approved a new Brooklyn shopping center to be anchored with a BJ's Wholesale Club.

The CEO of BJ's affirms that the sale of the company was the right decision.

Report: Walmart needs 159 stores in NYC to satisfy their Bloodlust...The Report shows the city would be devastating: a net loss of 3,980 jobs, $353 in lost wages, 105 businesses lost in East New York alone, and 4,279 new happy Wal-Mart employees who'd have to rely on government-funded health care. [download the pdf]

NY1 Exclusive: Walmart needs 159 NYC Stores.


City Hall News: A Walmart Invasion Predicted...


Gawker: Horrifying Study: 159 NYC Walmart Stores.

Meanwhile in Chicago, Walmart is opening their 3rd store in the last few years...

Here's a list of top U.S. Urban Food Deserts, NYC comes in at #8.

Census shows that 1 in 5 New Yorkers lives in poverty.

 Tentative pact reached in So.Cal UFCW Labor negotiations.









Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Target Fires Pro-Union Worker 7-Weeks After Union Election

Tashawna Greene (middle), was fired 7-weeks after being a leading
pro-union voice at Valley Stream Target
By: Target Change

Aside from a new TV and microwave in a break room, Target Corp. has not changed. Not after a union election that depicted what life was like working for Target. Not after their anti-union video surfaced, illuminating what they really thing of workers banding together in order to better their lives. Not after the lies or threats. Not even after the Wall Street Journal reported on their controversial ‘sweatshop’ like factory in Northern Jordan where employees complained of rape, threats, physical violence and over 12-hour workdays. No, Target decided that they’re better off staying the same. Which is why two-weeks ago they fired Tashawna Greene, single mother of a 6-year old daughter, & a leading voice for change within Target in Valley Stream.

As a leading voice for change at Valley Stream Target, Ms.Greene would tell her co-workers they all deserved more respect at work.  She did this while remaining non-disruptive to business activity. Target claimed that Ms. Greene was fired for acting “in an overly hostile, disruptive manner that is inconsistent with Target's policies.” That's a convenient reason for Target. This is yet another repulsive act by a company who repeatedly shows they're not concerned about any repercussions for violating workers' rights.  They have fired Ms. Greene for one reason, her pro-union attitude. She was fired for believing she and her co-workers deserved more from their billion-dollar employer.  Is this the price Target workers must pay for standing up for themselves and fighting for what is right?  Ms. Greene never let her attitude towards the company affect her work. She said, “I believe I was fired because of my participation in the union campaign,” she continued, “Because I'm for the union, they wanted to get rid of me.”

She was fired almost immediately after a Local 1500 union organizer was seen dropping her off at work. The firing of Ms. Greene is another shallow, inconsiderate move by a company who has had nothing but opportunities to do right by their employees. Target continues to take these opportunities to change as opportunities to intimidate and diminish more rights for employees. Local 1500 has filed yet another Unfair Labor Practice Charge with the National Labor Relations Board alleging Ms. Greene was fired for activities with the union.  Target's scare tactics and intimidation continue, 7-weeks after the election in Valley Stream. It's sickening a company can go to this length.  "This won't stop us driving for change, this is what we need to change! This will only make us push harder," an anonymous Target worker said.

Please support Tashawna by signing the petition telling Target to Re-Hire her: http://www.change.org/petitions/manager-tell-target-to-re-hire-tashawna-greene-now

You can write Tashawna messages of support on the Facebook wall or at targetchangeny@gmail.com

 




Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Union Files Final Board Charges against Target Corp. for Objections to Conduct of Union Election

Request for Re-run Election Proceeds
For more information email: info@ufcw1500.org

On Friday, June 24, 2011, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1500 filed objections to Target Corporation's conduct during the course of the recent union election in Valley Stream, N.Y. The charges filed on Friday were in addition to numerous unfair labor practices previously filed against the Target Corporation during the weeks leading up to the Union election in Valley Stream.

Bruce Both, President of UFCW Local 1500 explained Target could have easily held a fair & democratic election, "Instead of playing by the rules, Target showed they were willing to do whatever it took to keep their workers from attaining a basic right: respect at work." "Eighty-Five (85) courageous workers from Valley Stream should be commended for withstanding the intimidation and scare tactics Target management suffocated them with every day leading to the June 17th election. What's troubling is that Target had an opportunity to become a corporate role model and do right by their employees. Instead of helping their employees attain the American dream, they've chosen to continue to focus on their profit growth, not their employees' growth," Both concluded.

UFCW Local 1500 pledged that the campaign to "change" Target has just begun, as they announced they are seeking a rerun election at Valley Stream Target. "In addition to the laundry list of unfair labor practices already filed against Target, filing of these objections to their [Target's] conduct during the election period, shows a blatant disregard for basic democratic practices," said Assistant to the President Pat Purcell. "We are confident Target's actions will result in a new election and hopefully an opportunity for all parties to sit down and discuss a process for a new election that will better represent the democratic principles Target's workers and consumers have come to expect in a free society."

Days after the June 17th election at Valley Stream Target, the National Labor Relations Board announced proposed changes to union election process. The rule addresses a key obstacle workers face when deciding to vote on whether to form a union. "The proposed NLRB rule reinforces our statement that the process is unbalanced. Target workers at Valley Stream didn't have a fair election process," said Purcell. "The rule change would eliminate excessive delays in the vote, delays which allow companies to further their anti-union propaganda in the stores to their employees, something we all saw as recent as last week in the Target election," said Purcell. "This rule change is a step in the right direction toward giving more workers respect, a voice on the job, and rebalancing our economy," Purcell concluded.

### 
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500 represents over 22,000 supermarket workers across New York State. For more information on Target Change, head to Facebook.com/TargetChange Follow UFCW Local 1500 on Twitter @UFCW1500 and at Facebook.com/UFCW1500


 


Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Employees and Union Slam CBS over “Targeted” Rejection of Times Square Super Screen Advertisement

“Employees and Grocery Workers Union Slam CBS over “Targeted” Rejection of Times Square Super Screen Advertisement, Questions Raised over Possible Connection to Union Election” 

Employees from a Target Store located in Valley Stream, New York and the State’s largest Union representing grocery workers are slamming CBS for its rejection of a paid advertisement questioning Target's work place practices. The rejection of the advertisement is especially questionable since it was a representative of CBS that initially contacted with the Union and suggested using the CBS “Super Screen” located in Times Square. The rejected ad can be seen in its entirety at http://targetchangeny.com.

"Get Change"
Tashawna Green, a Valley Stream employee, was shocked that CBS, the network that has employed such First Amendment defenders such as Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather, would reject the employees' message. “All we want to do is get our message out to the public that Target Stores does not treat us right and we would like to see change come to our workplace. They let politicians run ads trashing each other all the time, but when the average citizen needs a public forum, they shut us down. I guess Target's money is more important to CBS that letting the voice of their loyal viewers be heard,” Green concluded. Patrick Purcell, a spokesperson for United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, was shocked by the sudden turnaround by CBS. “They contacted us, not vice versa. They did so after seeing the press reports about Target workers participating in the first federally monitored Union election at a Target store.

Our message content was made clear from day one. It is outrageous and immoral for them to now reject the advertisement,” Purcell stated. “The aisles at Target and the halls of CBS both stink tonight with the smell of censorship.” Purcell suggested this action is in line with Target's campaign at the store to minimize voter education and deny equal access to information. “This action by CBS produces the same result indirectly that Target Stores directly seeks as workers from around the New York area mobilize for change: silence the workers' voice,” Purcell said. “Their campaign has been one of denying workers equal access to information, forced employee captive audience meetings and threats of job loss. These actions, by both CBS and Target, crystallize why Americans are disgusted by irresponsible corporations that pray at the altar of profits. This matter is far from over,” Purcell promised.

 ####

Follow the campaign to change Target on Twitter @TargetChange and at Facebook.com/targetchange.
Send the workers from Target in Valley Stream a letter of support by emailing targetchangeny@gmail.com.

 


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