Walmart gets involved in politics.

JolietJake

JolietJake

Banned
" Wal-Mart Stores Inc said on Friday it has held meetings with U.S. store managers warning them of issues that could arise if Democrats win power and pass a law that would make it easier for workers to unionize, but stressed it was not telling workers how to vote."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080801/us_nm/walmart_democrats_dc

They're not telling them how to vote, they're just scaring them into voting a certain way.:roll:
 
Of course it's in Wal-Mart's best interest to not have a Democratic controlled congress and White House. And even if they were "telling" their workings how to vote, I doubt there are many people who would switch sideswhen they go into the voting booth.
 
[quote name='RAMSTORIA']Of course it's in Wal-Mart's best interest to not have a Democratic controlled congress and White House. And even if they were "telling" their workings how to vote, I doubt there are many people who would switch sideswhen they go into the voting booth.[/quote]

I don't have an issue with the efficacy of their campaign (which I generally agree with you on) - but more the fact that employers are attempting to manipulate voter behavior under the guise of employee training. How would you feel if your boss called a meeting to inform your office that McCain's foreign policy will start WWIII or Obama is a friend of Iran - talk like this is no more appropriate then what Walmart is engaging in. If Walmart has an opinion about either of the candidates they should issue a press release instead of trying to bully their employees in the backroom.
 
[quote name='camoor']I don't have an issue with the efficacy of their campaign (which I generally agree with you on) - but more the fact that employers are attempting to manipulate voter behavior under the guise of employee training. How would you feel if your boss called a meeting to inform your office that McCain's foreign policy will start WWIII or Obama is a friend of Iran - talk like this is no more appropriate then what Walmart is engaging in. If Walmart has an opinion about either of the candidates they should issue a press release instead of trying to bully their employees in the backroom.[/QUOTE]

Oh I agree, I can only imagine what was said in these "meetings", it's a dirty tactic no doubt. I'm sure it was something about losing profits would mean losing jobs etc etc.
 
That's what i meant, they aren't directly telling employees how to vote, they're just trying to scare them away from voting Democrat.

Saying something like, "You can vote however you want, but if you vote for this guy you may lose your job" is just dirty. It's their way of influencing voters without directly telling them how to vote.
 
Wal-Mart ad:

If Obama wins, you get ...

paid overtime

health care for part timers

workers' comp

paid breaks

Obama: change you can't trust.

...

An unionized Wal-Mart means what? Everybody becomes a part time employee or management.

The bigger problem is if Obama starts putting tariffs on imports to kill the trade deficit (and the cheap American lifestyle).
 
[quote name='JolietJake']
Saying something like, "You can vote however you want, but if you vote for this guy you may lose your job" is just dirty. It's their way of influencing voters without directly telling them how to vote.[/QUOTE]

Some might call it dirty, some might call it fair warning, because it's based in historical truth.

This sort of thing happens across the board in every industry. And I bet you don't complain about the fact the Unions make the same types of warnings to their members about voting Republican.
 
[quote name='thrustbucket']Some might call it dirty, some might call it fair warning, because it's based in historical truth.

This sort of thing happens across the board in every industry. And I bet you don't complain about the fact the Unions make the same types of warnings to their members about voting Republican.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I've got to call you on this. I'm in multiple blue-collar unions and I've never seen, heard, or heard of anyone else being told anything like that. Further, I know for a fact that the head of one of those unions is a Republican. Sorry, but the stuff you're thinking about went out with Hoffa, if even then.

Also: this happens in *every* industry?

Anyway, when you really think about it, Wal-Mart has been involved in politics for a long time now.
 
[quote name='trq']Yeah, I've got to call you on this. I'm in multiple blue-collar unions and I've never seen, heard, or heard of anyone else being told anything like that. Further, I know for a fact that the head of one of those unions is a Republican. Sorry, but the stuff you're thinking about went out with Hoffa, if even then.[/quote]
I was specifically recalling my uncle, a construction worker, who a few years ago was pressured to change party affilitation to be a Democrat and run for state legislature by his union.

Also: this happens in *every* industry?
Click to expand...
Kind of, yes. Every type of industry has been historically given hand-outs or punished by each political party. So whether it's water cooler talk or corporate emails, most employees are let known just which vote is best for their particular industry/job.
 
[quote name='fatherofcaitlyn']Wal-Mart ad:

If Obama wins, you get ...

paid overtime

health care for part timers

workers' comp

paid breaks

Obama: change you can't trust.

...

An unionized Wal-Mart means what? Everybody becomes a part time employee or management.

The bigger problem is if Obama starts putting tariffs on imports to kill the trade deficit (and the cheap American lifestyle).[/QUOTE]

I suspect you are part of the old union correct? This trype is just that. There are paid breaks, and full time workers. Workers comp is illegal to not have in most states now, raises are based on percentage and performance. The healthcare for part timers is just too damn bad. Reality is if you are part time you dont get health care at most places. Actually most places are hard pressed to offer any healthcare... the laid off employees of GM and Ford will probably agree. Look where their unions got them, closed down thats where.

There are newer figures of healthcare enrollees out there that support the fact that the amount of people enrolling is increasing.

On top of that let me ask a very simple question.. Do all the "union in walmart" supporters want me to believe the union's is really just there to help the employees and want nothing in return? No they want in the largest employer in the world, so that they can profit. Its that simple really. Lets not jumble this mess.
 
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[quote name='thrustbucket']Some might call it dirty, some might call it fair warning, because it's based in historical truth.

This sort of thing happens across the board in every industry. And I bet you don't complain about the fact the Unions make the same types of warnings to their members about voting Republican.[/quote]
Except that union members aren't employees and the union isn't the company they work for. If you don't like a union's message, quit the union, that's easier to do than quitting your job.
 
[quote name='JolietJake']Except that union members aren't employees and the union isn't the company they work for. If you don't like a union's message, quit the union, that's easier to do than quitting your job.[/QUOTE]

Sometimes quitting a union is essentially quitting your job. See how far you get in Hollywood as a struggling actor without being in SAG.
 
[quote name='thrustbucket']Sometimes quitting a union is essentially quitting your job. See how far you get in Hollywood as a struggling actor without being in SAG.[/QUOTE]

I have teacher friends who are required to be in the union and pay their dues to be employed by their district.
 
[quote name='thrustbucket']I was specifically recalling my uncle, a construction worker, who a few years ago was pressured to change party affilitation to be a Democrat and run for state legislature by his union.[/QUOTE]

Interesting. I'd chalk that up to some pretty unique local politics more than anything else, but it's neither here nor there.

[quote name='thrustbucket']Kind of, yes. Every type of industry has been historically given hand-outs or punished by each political party. So whether it's water cooler talk or corporate emails, most employees are let known just which vote is best for their particular industry/job.[/QUOTE]

Maybe I'm just reluctant to speak in absolutes, but *every* is a pretty big claim to uphold. You work in games, right? What's the "official" voting position for game industry programmers? Because you've got the Tipper Gore democrats on one hand, and the Jack Thompson republicans on the other.

Ultimately, I've never come across anyone I know being told how to vote on the job, one way or another, so I have to say that Wal-Mart's behavior is the exception, rather than the rule, and I'd bet statistics would bear that out.
 
Not all unions are that way, laws vary from state to state also. My father was in the USW for years, but they had people working there who weren't in the union.
 
[quote name='trq']
Ultimately, I've never come across anyone I know being told how to vote on the job, one way or another, so I have to say that Wal-Mart's behavior is the exception, rather than the rule, and I'd bet statistics would bear that out.[/QUOTE]

Ok, you're right. Not EVERY industry. Nobody has yet tried to hint at which political party is best for my industry. Part of that could be that it seems the worse the economy gets the better my industry does.

So in voting for what's best for my industry, either candidate is a winner. ;)
 
[quote name='Snake2715']I suspect you are part of the old union correct? This trype is just that. There are paid breaks, and full time workers. Workers comp is illegal to not have in most states now, raises are based on percentage and performance. The healthcare for part timers is just too damn bad. Reality is if you are part time you dont get health care at most places. Actually most places are hard pressed to offer any healthcare... the laid off employees of GM and Ford will probably agree. Look where their unions got them, closed down thats where.[/quote]

Nobody likes my sarcasm.

Here's the dirty little secret most pro-union people don't like to let out: The first group of people trying to unionize a company get their asses kicked hard.

Unless the job requires months and months of specialized training, management and ownership can and will fire in bulk, hire scabs or outsource everything they can.

After a few years of being beat down, the company MIGHT allow for collective bargaining.

Then what? Do you have super duper insurance, an awesome retirement or a great hourly wage? Nope. You have to strike for those.
 
[quote name='fatherofcaitlyn']Then what? Do you have super duper insurance, an awesome retirement or a great hourly wage? Nope. You have to strike for those.[/quote]

Unless you're a UAW worker. Then you have all those things; but strike anyway because you're greedy.
 
[quote name='CannibalCrowley']Unless you're a UAW worker. Then you have all those things; but strike anyway because you're greedy.[/quote]

It's true. Unfortunately it seems neither side can ever come to a reasonable compromise, it's all about who has the power and how much they can abuse it. I think examples from both sides of the spectrum (from the UAW to Walmart) prove why greed is not good for the economy.
 
[quote name='CannibalCrowley']Unless you're a UAW worker. Then you have all those things; but strike anyway because you're greedy.[/quote]

Wal-Mart workers won't be UAW.

Most likely, they'll be the same union as Kroger workers or a new union.

If it's Kroger's union, Wal-Mart has nothing to fear.

If it's a new union, Wal-Mart has nothing to fear for a decade or two.

Even if Wal-Mart workers went UAW, I don't think the union would stick together after GM and Ford go bankrupt.
 
Union's today are so idiotic. Now the Longshoreman in Philly back in the days around WWII, THEY knew how to get what they wanted from the company. Surprise strikes for one, AT work. Not this announce you're striking a few days before you are crap. I mean doing that as a company they can easily find some scabs to take your place.
Oh and FORCING someone to join the Union is ridiculous. Doesn't surprise me on SAG though as it's powerful as all get out.
edit: Kroger HAS a Union?! Surprises me as they seem to treat their workers a bit like shit, not nearly so much as Wal-Mart but fuck are they tightwads. In cutting costs, why don't they just have some of their executive members stay in a Hostel instead of some ritzy suite where the idiotic idea to save money is to have two to a suite. Also instead of taking these stupid ritzy dinners to discuss business have a gourmet chef on staff who also serves in the cafeteria. Get rid of ALL trans-fat's in the Cafeteria as well. It's not hard to find SENSIBLE places to cut costs instead of fucking over the worker but I suppose my suggestions take a second or two to think up and most CEO's can't go that far since people like the former AT&T CEO's idea was just massive job cuts.
 
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[quote name='Sarang01']Union's today are so idiotic. Now the Longshoreman in Philly back in the days around WWII, THEY knew how to get what they wanted from the company. Surprise strikes for one, AT work. Not this announce you're striking a few days before you are crap. I mean doing that as a company they can easily find some scabs to take your place.
Oh and FORCING someone to join the Union is ridiculous. Doesn't surprise me on SAG though as it's powerful as all get out.
[/quote]

Unions are no longer legally allowed to strike without notice. They lost a lot of their power when this happened. I can't remember which president passed it, but I think it was in the mid 50s. Basically they had to tell the bosses that they were striking in advance and they can't create a barrier of people between the business and the customers (which is why the picket lines are always moving).
 
Unions are the bee's knees. They just make my life so darn good......................oh wait I'm on a computer, on the internet meaning that its not the early 20th century. Please disregard my previous statement.
 
Boy howdy you folks have no idea how much better your blue collar lives would be if you were unionized.

Y'all can complain about how much power and influence corporations and special interests have in the US, while at the same time you all manage to spit in the face of the one thing you have on your side: NUMBERS.
 
[quote name='RAMSTORIA']I have teacher friends who are required to be in the union and pay their dues to be employed by their district.[/quote]

I'm currently in grad school, studying to be a teacher.

Once I become one, in California, I'm automatically enrolled in one of the teachers' unions. I've been told that I can opt out, but the dues I would have to pay would still be collected and donated to a charity of my choice.

In my previous professional life (computer science), there was no union to speak of, but there wasn't really a need for one, given generally high salaries and good benefits. (Though, in retrospect, I have to wonder if outsourcing/offshoring would have changed the IT landscape in the same way had there been a union.)

I'm not at all upset about the teachers' union, and I have no intention of opting out. Unions may not be perfect, but then again, my job will be subject to the whims of the federal government, the state government and the Governator -- witness how well he's dealing with state workers right now -- and the wonderful (
 
[quote name='blandstalker']I'm currently in grad school, studying to be a teacher.

Once I become one, in California, I'm automatically enrolled in one of the teachers' unions. I've been told that I can opt out, but the dues I would have to pay would still be collected and donated to a charity of my choice.[/quote]

That's BS. I'm amazed they can do that. Isn't there some law against government-forced tithing - there should be (especially on a teacher's salary, if you're going to tithe someone start with the Waltons)
 
Well, as bad as it is, a teachers salary is what it is because of unions. It would be even lower if they weren't unionized.

A wal-mart union is pointless. It's not like a a UPS strike, nurses strike, teachers strike, etc. where the world for some people stops moving. Wal-Mart is in the wrong on this and on top of that I don't think they really have anything to worry about anyway like fatherofcaitlyn said, except maybe having to offer some (more?) benefits to some employees possibly.
 
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