Doesn't Walmart Have Enough to be Thankful For?

By: Adam Obernauer
adam@ufcw1500.org

A lot has been happening in the world of Walmart leading up to this Thanksgiving, and for the corporate giants, it ain’t looking good.   While Walmart CEO Mike Duke has announced that he’s stepping down, waves of strikes leading up to Black Friday have been the strongest yet.  In this past month alone, workers went on strike in Miami, Brooklyn Center, Tampa, Sacramento, Dallas, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, and cities throughout Ohio. Walmart has been feeling the pressure and in an effort to correct the company’s image, has tried to show the world that their employees are not telling the truth. They are the good guys that “care” about the community.

A Walmart in Ohio asked employees
to donate food to other employees "in need

In a failed effort to show how much they “care,” Walmart planned a Thanksgiving food drive for their own employees.  The food drive came from the Canton, Ohio based Walmart and the irony became a media sensation. The story hit everywhere from the New York Times' comic strip mocking the company, to Stephen Colbert’s comedy skit, to high profile actors like Ashton Kutcher getting into media battles with the company.

So what does Walmart need to do to try to create the illusion that it’s trying to help the community? This Thanksgiving, Walmart is set to donate over $1 million to food banks and local charities across New York State alone. With these recent efforts, Walmart is in line to be the most darkly ironic business in the world.  Instead of raising the pay and benefits of their own workforce that can’t afford to buy food on Thanksgiving, they’re more willing to throw large sums of money to Anti-Hunger groups in the name of “charity”.

Walmart has long established itself as the "worst of the worst" and is the epitome of corporate greed.  From the sweatshops overseas, the fires in the Bangladesh factory killing thousands, to the bribery of the Mexican government, and the thousands of workers going out on strike demanding better pay, it leaves us to think, when is enough, enough? When will Walmart be held accountable for the destruction of local communities and the devastation in factories throughout the world? When will the irony be strong enough so people no longer accept Walmart’s donations and pathetic attempts at being an accepted and respected business?

We think that the time should have come long ago and hope that this Thanksgiving, people give thanks to the workers in these stores that have to suffer day in and day out to continue to make the Walden’s the richest family in the world.

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!

Top 10 Stories This Week

— TOP 10 INDUSTRY/LABOR NEWS ARTICLES FROM THIS WEEK — Over 100 New York UFCW members traveled to Albany this week to lobby for better UFCW NY Jobs! Check out all the photos from our Lobby Day here. 1. UFCW Local 1500 members traveled up to Albany this week (picuted above) to lobby for better UFCW NY Jobs, and demand more from our elected officials. 2. Yet another factory in Bangladesh has taken the lives of workers due to horrendous workplace conditions.  This time a factory literally collapsed.  3. The fast-food walkouts in NYC have spread to Chicago.  On Wednesday hundreds of underpaid and disrespected fast-food workers walked out. 4. Related to the new spark in labor, check out a great article, 'How Unions are Getting Their Groove Back' 5.  Getting paid less and working more- Guitar Center workers have launched a Union drive (via RWDSU), under Bain ownership (yes that Bain). 6.  Thousands of Americare workers from UFCW Local 348-S ratified a new contract last week. 7.  So what if they bribed their way into Mexico, had a hand in the Bangladesh fire that killed over 100 garment workers, and were accused of some awful things in Nicaragua, Walmart CEO Mike Duke still got a 14% raise, to almost $21 million...Priorities are in tact. 8.  Solidarity Works!  How Local Unions came together to demand and guarantee better jobs for a new Casino development in Baltimore, and won! 9.  Fruits, Vegetables and all that good stuff- except the benefits and rights for farm workers. Over 75% of farm workers have ZERO benefits. Check out the great reality check via In These Times. 10.  The New Organizing Frontier:  Can Co-ops Save Unions? Like the top 10 list? We're always posting stories like these and more on our twitter and facebook feeds, so why not follow us!

Weekly News Bites: September 28, 2012

Suggested reading for week of September 23, 2012:

via Warehouse Workers United:
Walmart Warehouse workers are back on the job! After 15 days on strike all workers were back at work by 12:30 Friday morning, winning safety improvements and a response from Walmart! Congratulations!

Great Report: Strikes at Walmart Warehouses expose threats in supply chain via Labor Notes

In San Diego, Walmart is driving to plow through historic land to build a new store.

Analysts believe China's problems will hurt Walmart, McDonald's bottom line.

Analyst view: Walmart's high cost trip to India, may not pay off.

Companies are reexamining their Social Media policies after a NLRB judge ruling.

Fan outrage trumps owners' greed, ends NFL Referee lockout.

Trader Joe's announced they'll be only selling antibiotic-free meat.

Fairway Market is seeking a $3.7 million tax relief for a bakery facility in the Bronx.

Fresh Direct is expanding to Philly.

Whole Foods' stock hit a new high this week.

The AFL-CIO Blog outlines what's at stake this election for Latinos.

Bill Clinton asked Walmart CEO, Mike Duke, if they'd open a store in Libya.

ShopRite pioneer, Joseph Saker, passed away this week.

Excellent report from The Rolling Stone: The Presidential Race Should Have Never Been This Close.

And the Romney HQ is already conceding the first Presidential Debate, even though it's days away.

Tuesday Mornin' One-Liners: A N.Y. Walmart is Infested w/ Rodents, A&P to Localize Stores

Updated 5/29/12 11:58 PM 

UFCW Local 1189 will be having a union election at Aldi.

Fairway Market will be moving into an old Pathmark at Woodland Park, NJ.

The Record: Sam Martin: The man with the plan to save A&P.

Supermarket News takes a look at initiatives to help food deserts.

New York's Iron Workers have a new contract.

A new ShopRite opened in Baltimore, bringing 250 new jobs to the neighborhood.


Walmart shareholders were urged not to re-elect Mike Duke as CEO.  Meanwhile U.S. lawmakers are frustrated with Walmart's lack of cooperation in the Mexican bribery investigation.

The Walmart in Sullivan, New York, has failed its' 4th health inspection, the store is infected with rodents.  The store could shut down if they fail a 5th.

On April 25, inspectors found 9 pounds of defiled food, more than 1,000 fresh droppings behind the chips and snacks, and three dead mice carcasses. On March 2, mouse droppings and mouse trails were found around the soda, pet foods and bread aisle. On Jan. 3, inspectors found 35.9 pounds of defiled food and 1,000 fresh mouse droppings behind the peanut and snack racks.

The Business Insider asks if this is the 'Most Disgusting Store in the Country?'

The Chicago Tribune wonders what affect the Mexican bribery scandal will have on Walmart's annual company party.

More: Controversy looms on Walmart's 50th anniversary.

A&P is expanding "Localized Remodels" starting with the Food Emporium on the Upper East Side.

Supermarket News analyzes that fresh store formats are growing, while traditional supermarkets are shrinking...

The Minnesota Star Tribune's Jim Spencer wrote on Target in Valley Stream's re-vote: Union still faces difficult odds against Target.

Workday Minnesota loves writing about Target workers getting a re-vote in Valley Stream.

The highly scrutinized NLRB's Flynn resigned this weekend.  Earlier this year NLRB Inspector General issued reports which detailed Flynn dispersing detailed, confidential information about NLRB cases and procedures in order to discredit the National Labor Relations Board.

UFCW President Hansen Calls for Leadership Changes at Walmart

United Food and Commercial Workers (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Statement by UFCW International President Joe Hansen Calling for Walmart CEO and Board Chair Resignations
(Washington, D.C.) - Joe Hansen, International President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) and Chair of Change to Win, today released the following statement to join Walmart associates in the demand for leadership changes at the retail giant.

“The corruption scandal and reported cover-up exposed an unacceptable failure of leadership within Walmart. Walmart Chairman Rob Walton and CEO Mike Duke must resign immediately in an effort to restore integrity and accountability for Walmart associates, shareholders, customers, and communities.

“The New York Times exposed a widespread pattern of Walmart executives bribing government officials to secure permits to build stores in Mexico, followed by a cover-up led by corporate leaders including Duke and Walton. The article raises serious questions about whether Walmart has used the same tactics for its expansion in the United States and across the globe.\

“For decades, Walmart has pursued a growth-at-any-cost strategy in cities and towns across the United States and globally. In the U.S., we have watched Walmart secure the building permits, variances, and zoning changes to open its stores, in spite of concerted community opposition.

“The public deserves a wholly independent and thorough investigation of Walmart’s practices. Communities across the globe should take heed of Walmart’s reported unlawful and unethical practices in Mexico, as the company works at a rapid pace to in expand its retail stores in South Africa, India, and China, to name a few, in addition to its global supply chain operations.”

The UFCW represents 1.3 million workers, 250,000 in the meatpacking and poultry industries. UFCW members also work in the health care, garment, chemical, distillery and retail industries. For more information about the UFCW’s effort to protect workers’ rights and strengthen America’s middle class, visit www.ufcw.org, or join our online community at http://www.facebook.com/UFCWinternational and www.twitter.com/ufcw

Making Change at Walmart is a campaign challenging Walmart to help rebuild our economy and strengthen working families. Anchored by UFCW, we are a coalition of Walmart associates, union members, small business owners, religious leaders, women advocacy groups, multi-ethnic coalitions, elected officials, and ordinary citizens who believe that changing Walmart is vital for the future of our country.

Walmart e-mails discovered by Bloomberg News confirms hike in Toy prices

Walmart e-mails confirm hike in toy prices, from Bloomberg News:

Wal-Mart managers received instructions to mark up an average of 1,800 types of toys per store, according to a company e-mail dated Nov. 30 obtained by Bloomberg News. The e-mail didn’t disclose specific increases. The prices were changed “to better enable your store and the company to have a successful financial month,” according to the e-mail.
The directive from Wal-Mart, which has about 3,800 U.S. stores, told managers to do the markups as soon as possible. The move may help Chief Executive Officer Mike Duke fulfill his October prediction that sales in stores open at least a year will be positive this quarter, after six straight drops.

This is the same company who according to a statement last week said, "New Yorkers know that Walmart is focused on lowering prices to save customers money." Walmart's PR machine drives the message of savings, but they're only interested in one thing, profit at any cost.

Mid Week One Liners: Wage Theft Pevention Passes, Walmart looks to conquer South Africa

New York Legislature Passes Historic Wage Theft Protection Act: 

The Wage Theft Prevention Act (S8380/Savino - A11726/Heastie), has now passed both houses protecting thousands of hard-working men and women from unscrupulous employers who steal their earnings by paying less than minimum wage, misclassifying them as independent contractors, forcing them to work off the clock and various other schemes. This important legislation will increase penalties and strengthen enforcement of laws protecting workers from nonpayment and underpayment of wages.

Aldi rolls out larger stores, up to 18,000 square feet.

On Tuesday, the Senate passed the sweeping Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act by a 73-25 vote, setting the stage for reconciliation with a similar House version that passed last year. Now, there are reports saying the bill may hit a snag and get delayed.

New York City Council is planning on debating the impact a Walmart would have opening a store within NYC.  They'll be discussing the affects Walmart will have on small business and neighborhoods among other things.  The hearing is set for December 14.  Walmart has recently solicited black leaders for assistance getting into NYC.

More @ The Brooklyn Daily Eagle.

Meanwhile in Washington D.C.,  Mom 'n Pop stores are afraid of Walmart.

Fairway is waiting to hear back from NYC for permission to put up signs for their Douglaston store, which plans on opening in the spring of 2011.

Walmart looks to conquer Africa as they offered to acquire 51% of the shares of Massmart Holdings Limited, the diversified South African retailer, for about $2.4 billion.

More: South Africa wakes up to Walmart.

Business Week: Walmart CEO Mike Duke talks to Charlie Rose.

Trader Joe's is opening their fourth Chicago store.

CVS is voluntarily pulling their reusable bags.

WakeUpWalmart.com Launches “Hope for the Holidays” Campaign

WakeupWalmart.com launched a new campaign today, Local 1500 Organizers along with other UFCW Locals hand-billed Walmart in White Plains, NY, below is the press release from WakeUpWalmart.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2009  

WakeUpWalmart.com Launches “Hope for the Holidays” Campaign to Highlight Walmart’s Track Record of Poor Product Safety

(Washington, DC) - The 490,000 members of WakeUpWalmart.com today launched a consumer education campaign to highlight Walmart’s track record of stocking dangerous and unsafe products. Activists and community leaders from across the country will come together to inform consumers about Walmart’s business model and how it encourages the production of dangerous products and puts profits above the safety of consumers. Supporters of WakeUpWalmart.com and the National Consumers League will also send Walmart CEO Mike Duke an open letter asking him to put consumer safety ahead of profit this holiday season.

Walmart has repeatedly carried products that have been identified as unsafe or dangerous by reputable consumer safety organizations. Right now, there are children’s holiday gifts offered for sale at stores and online with high levels of dangerous substances including lead, chlorine, arsenic, cadmium, and bromine according to HealthyStuff.org, a project of the Ecology Center and the Center for Environmental Health.

WakeUpWalmart.com and the National Consumers League are calling on Walmart to pull these dangerous products. These products include:

-     Zhu Zhu Pets

-     Mrs. Potato Head

-     Walmart brand black and yellow frog wallet

-     Disney Princesses pink belt

-     iCarly pink belt

-     10 Squirtin' Sea Buddies

-     A Touch & Feel Bedtime Book

-     Chux! Fling Shots

-     Our Good 5 Game Combo (Badminton, Volleyball, Shuttle Smash, Flying Disc, Jelly Ball)

-     The Original Little Red Wagon - Model #32

-     Small Bakugan Battle Brawlers Backpack

-     The Original - Butterfly Watch

-     Red Flame Watch

-     Green Giraffe Print Bag

 “As the world’s largest retailer, Walmart should be a leader in improving safety standards for the products it carries,” said Pat O’Neill, Executive Vice President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. “Unfortunately, right now Walmart is using its size to push suppliers to produce at a lower cost which could end up compromising product safety. Saving money and living better should not mean pushing suppliers to cut costs that may result in cutting corners. Our wish list for Walmart is that they ensure their products are safe, so families don’t have to worry. Walmart can certainly afford to take extra precautions to inform customers of potential safety concerns.”

In addition to educating consumers about Walmart’s unsafe business practices and dangerous products, WakeUpWalmart.com, the National Consumers League, and their supporters will sign an open letter to Mike Duke demanding that Walmart take responsibility for the products on its shelves. In it, consumers tell Duke that, “We know Walmart can afford to do right by America’s families and help make this holiday a safe one. As the nation’s largest retailer, Walmart has an obligation to pull products with toxic levels of chemicals from its shelves—and end the unsafe practice of pushing suppliers into cutting corners.”

For more information please visit http://www.wakeupwalmart.com/feature/holiday2009.

###

UFCW News Service
www.ufcw.org

Wal-Mart News...

Image via Wikipedia

Wal-Mart predicts zero waste by 2025.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc's recently retired Chief Executive, Lee Scott, took home a total of $30.2 million in the year ended January, slightly down from a year ago, as revealed by the company's proxy statement.

Stop & Shop sits down sith LI Business News, H. Lee Scott has a successor, King Kullen goes 'greener' & Monday Morning One Liners...

Image via Wikipedia

Industry

Long Island Business News had a sit down with Stop & Shop district manager Bob Hempson, discussing how the economy is affecting the industry.

Wal-Mart announced that Mike Duke will succeed H. Lee Scott as President and CEO of the company.

Supermarket News covered this story

The new improved Brooklyn Heights Gristedes has opened.

Here's video and photos of the new shop.

Ahold said it had sales and market-share gains at all three of its U.S. banners in the third quarter, and retail operating margins improved to help the company beat analysts' profit expectations.
Read more of this story

Whole Foods was voted the 'Healthiest Supermarket'

Wal-Mart Stores here yesterday announced its first substantial purchase of wind energy in the U.S., which will supply up to 15% of the company's total energy load in approximately 360 Texas stores and other facilities.
Read more of this story

The U.S. Circuit Court here has rejected a request by Whole Foods Market to have the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust case heard by the full Court of Appeals.
Read more of this story

The cover story of this weeks Long Island Press, encourages readers to shop local by shopping at King Kullen.

King Kullen is getting Kudos for going "Greener".

The UFCW is getting some criticism for it's anti-Wal-Mart stance in Arizona.

UFCW Union members have rejected the latest contract offer from Grain Processing Corp. in Muscatine, Iowa.Members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 86D rejected the proposal in a vote on Saturday. About 360 workers have been locked out of the plant since Aug. 22 after the two sides failed to reach an agreement.

Organizing

The Downtown Express is satisfied with an Amish Market in Downtown Manhattan, though they see the next step as Trader Joe's.

Policy, Development

The SF Gate covers urban farming in major American cities.

Politics

Director of Special Projects, Pat Purcell spoke at a press event against Frank Padavan's protesting of minority ballots in the 11th State Senate race.

Hillary Clinton agreed late last week to leave her position as New York's junior senator to take the secretary of state job.

And finally a school on Long Island has been renamed Barack Obama Elementary School


Like the morning one-liners??? Fill the form to have it sent to your email every morning.