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.

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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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.

Related articles

• New Union Vote Ordered at Target Store in Valley Stream, N.Y.

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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."

Before NLRB Trial, Target in Valley Stream Cleans Out Workforce, Turnover Nearly 25% in 6-months

Target Cleans Out Workforce at Valley Stream Store, turnover nearly hits 25% in 6-months

With eye toward a new union election, Target has replaced over 20% of its workforce at the Valley Stream store after a union election in June 2011

WESTBURY, NY (01/27/2012)(readMedia)-- Preparing for the February 1st federal hearing on Target Corp.'s violations of the National Labor Relations Act, United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1500 Assistant to the President, Pat Purcell, expressed outrage that over 20% of the workforce at Valley Stream Target has been "turned over" or replaced, cleansing the store of longtime employees seeking better working conditions from the billion-dollar company.

"How is it in this job starved economy, with so many people looking for jobs, Target has turned-over 20% of its workforce at Valley Stream in a short 7-month span?", Purcell questioned. "It's evident Target began a practice of 'cleansing' their workforce in fear and in anticipation of another union vote and the possibility of providing wages and benefits up to par with unionized retailers," Purcell said. Addressing the February 1st National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) hearing on Target's violations of workers' rights, Purcell said: "Target has resorted to playing games with people's livelihoods. Their actions demonstrate what we and the National Labor Relations Board have asserted: Target will do anything to prevent their employees from banding together to fight for more respect at work, even violate the law,"

Questioning the motive behind the high turnover rate, Purcell questioned why Target's turnover rate was on pace to nearly double the national retail average: "If Target paid more and provided better benefits would we be seeing a turnover this high? If working for Target is as good as Target says it is, why is their turnover rate so high? The retail behemoth Target enters communities across America with a promise of jobs. Unfortunately communities like Valley Stream are finding these jobs fail to provide stability, consistent hours or affordable benefits. Our communities need a commitment from all retailers to provide jobs they can rely on. Not retailers with exceptionally high turnover rates, making it near impossible for hardworking men and women to accumulate benefits and provide for their families. Shamefully Target has continued to demonstrate they're simply committed to putting profits ahead of people, "

UFCW Local 1500 knows companies like Target, who are on the forefront of retail growth, have the ability and should lead by example. Rather than focusing on higher profits and cutting hours, jobs and benefits, Target should focus on setting an example as a retail leader, by providing good jobs for hundreds of communities across America. "We've presented Target with an opportunity to change. They have the ability to make their retail jobs, good jobs in our country. They have an opportunity to be a responsible employer by making commitments to their employees and the communities they inhabit. They should start by ending the intimidation and threats to employees who are banding together to demand better working conditions from their billion-dollar employer," Purcell concluded.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 represents 23,000 grocery workers throughout 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 Mornin' News Brew

Here are some top industry stories to start your day:

BJ's Wholesale Club has opened up three new locations, one in Virginia and in Ithaca & Deer Park, NY.  The grand opening of the 85,000 square foot Deer Park (Long Island) store is this weekend. [Press Release]

Stop & Shop raised over $2 million for with their "Foods for Friends" program, 100% of the proceeds will go to food pantries throughout the Northeast.

The Bridgehampton Citizen Action Committee supports banning plastic bags, and wants Southampton to do the same.

One is never enough....Walmart opened their second Chicago Supercenter this week.

A Bankruptcy judge has OK'd A&P's $750M exit financing.

The Valley Stream Herald reports on Target, and us, gearing up for the February 1st NLRB hearing.

NLRB Files Mores Charges Against Target for Conduct at Valley Stream store

The NLRB has filed more charges against Target, adding more charges to what is already a long running list of ways the super retailer violated labor laws in order to prevent employees from joining the UFCW.  Last June, Target intimidated workers by handing out flyers which raised questions such as "Will the Store Close if the Union Gets In?", they forced employees to watch a corny anti-union video,  and interrogated workers to the extent that they felt almost 'criminal-like' for supporting the union.  If that wasn't enough, Target also fired one of the leading 'pro-union' voices from Valley Stream, a mere 7-weeks after the union vote this past summer.

UFCW Local 1500 Special Projects Director and Target campaign Director Aly Waddy released the following statement:

"The NLRB is slowly recognizing Target manipulated the system, and intimidated their employees with interrogations and an intense propaganda campaign.  They [Target] used every tactic possible with no regard for the law from keeping the hardworking men and woman at Target from gaining respect at work.  It's reassuring [the NLRB filing more charges against Target] that their conduct and disregard for the law created a slanted atmosphere, making any shot for a fair election impractical.  It's a small step that this is not only recognized by us and the workers from Target Valley Stream, but the National Labor Relations Board."

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.

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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.

 

Target Change

Image via WikipediToday, Crain's NY Business reported the workers at Target in Valley Stream have filed for a union election.  You can follow and support the campaign on Facebook & Twitter @TargetChange, hashtag and follow campaign news with #targetchange or #nytarget

“We have pride in our company, but we just don't feel they have pride in us,” -Target Employee

The campaign is about changing the environment at a growing company which has essentially gotten a free pass.  The Walmart NYC battle has truly inspired workers at Target to fight for their own change. Check out the article @ Crain's and be sure to support the workers at Target who are fighting for change.  You can send them an email of support at targetchangeny@gmail.com.

Below is a message that Target workers have been forwarding to each other since they filed for election:

"Dear Team, We have submitted the relevant document to the department of labor of our intention for a union to represent us.  There is strength in unity, that is us."

Your messages of support to the workers at Target are greatly appreciated.