Apr 09 2009
The Big “U” in Wal-Mart is Back
Once again, Wal-Mart employees have claimed another victory. Employees at a Wal-Mart in Quebec were successful in establishing a union at their local store, after an independent arbitrator sided with the workers. Although this is a monumental moment, we shouldn’t be quick to celebrate. After all, this wasn’t the first time a Wal-Mart in Quebec has established a union. However, workers seem more optimistic this time around, and it is doubtful that management will once again close down their operations in spite of a union’s presence.
Will this set a precedent for the further expansion of unionization throughout North America? Well that might depended on whether or not the Employee Free Choice Act passes in Washington; a bill which I’m sure Wal-Mart is trying to sabotage. For example, one of the first Democrats to come out and state their opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act was a Senator from Arkansas. Yes, the birth place and headquarters of Wal-Mart. Coincidence?….. I think not.
