Wal-mart: The People’s Self-Inflicted Weapon

Wal-mart: The People’s Self-Inflicted Weapon

Today the Supreme Court justices heard arguments in the largest gender discrimination lawsuit in our nation’s history against the big-box retailer, Wal-Mart. The Wal-Mart Stores vs. Betty Dukes class action suit involves more than 1.5 million women throughout the retailer’s 3,400 stores seeking back pay for practices of sex discrimination and unequal pay.  While Supreme Court justices will deliberate if such discrimination is valid and how to award billions of dollars to the women if vindicated, Wal-Mart continues to push its presence into urban markets like Washington, D.C.  With plans to open a store in each of the city’s four quadrants, DC residents hope to end what seems a common flawed practice with Wal-Mart: paying poverty-level wages, poor benefits and forcing closure of competing small businesses.  Respect DC, also known as “Living Wages, Healthy Communities” is a grassroots coalition telling Wal-Mart, to “Respect DC” by paying potential employees living wages (more than $11.75/hour which is below the Federal Poverty Level of $22,500 for a family of four) and good benefits.  Unfortunately, the very people who shop at Wal-Mart to save money, are contributing to a devastating event beyond the cash register. Wal-Mart has used their mass patronage as a weapon to crush those who can least afford injury. But for those familiar with the story of David and Goliath, we know giants can fall. Here's hoping!

Highlighted Clip for Tuesday, March 29, 2011:

"Justices question next step for massive Wal-Mart discrimination suit"

By Robert Barnes

Even Supreme Court justices who sharply questioned Wal-Mart’s pay and promotion policies regarding female employees expressed concern at Tuesday’s oral argument about how the largest gender discrimination class-action suit in history might proceed.

Also visit Respect DC to learn how DC is responding to Wal-Mart and learn how you can get involved!

U-N-I-T-Y

U-N-I-T-Y

The public employee and union battle rages on this week in Wisconsin, and now Ohio has joined the list of disgruntled citizens. While opposing sides fight for fairness, it is hoped that neither deep pockets nor politics is the heavyweight in this process.  We should strive for an America united, rather than divided. Who doesn't want to see their neighbor doing well? Who wants to see the middle-class shrink? One has to believe we value the same ideals at the end of the day: equality and u-n-i-t-y.

Highlighted Clip for Monday, February 28, 2011:

By: Peter Whoriskey and Amy Gardner

Across Ohio last week, the legislative push to restrict the union rights of government workers was greeted again and again by noisy protests.

"Ohio, Wisconsin shine spotlight on new union battle: Government workers vs. taxpayers"

Senate Grants Collective-Bargaining Rights to TSA Workers

Senate Grants Collective-Bargaining Rights to TSA Workers

Today, the U.S. Senate thwarted a bill that would have denied more than 40,000 federal employees the ability to protect their rights under a union. Supporters of the bill fear that full collective-bargaining rights for TSA employees would pose a national security threat, while opponents say “workplace rights improve employee morale, which improve security.” What’s your take on this issue?

Highlighted Clip for Wednesday, February 16, 2011:

"Senate vote allows TSA to move ahead with collective bargaining"

The Senate on Tuesday rejected an amendment that would have blocked Transportation Security Administration employees from having collective-bargaining rights, handing a victory to Democrats and labor groups.

Smoke and mirrors... Or is Wal-Mart serious about a new corporate image?

Smoke and mirrors...  Or is Wal-Mart serious about a new corporate image?

One can only hope that first lady Michelle Obama’s praise of Wal-Mart’s healthy foods campaign, announced yesterday at a Washington, DC-based community center, is not misconstrued nor lets the retail giant off the hook for past transgressions.  The Arkansas-based corporation’s history of opposing workers’ right to unionize, paying low wages and not offering benefits are still major concerns, and little has been done or said by the corporation to suggest a significant shift in these practices.  No one denies that the chain’s push to provide healthy and affordable foods in underserved communities is a step in the right direction.  But we still need evidence that Wal-Mart is cleaning up its anti-worker business practices along with its growing expansion into inner-city neighborhoods.

Highlighted Clip for Friday, January 20, 2011:

White House support of Wal-Mart food initiative shows new tone toward retailer

Perry Bacon Jr. and Nia-Malika Henderson

Four years ago, leading Democrats were virtually at war with Wal-Mart.