Interesting that you can pretty much bet that most of Wal-Mart's employees fall into the Democratic Party demographic. So, it's no wonder that Wal-Mart is worried the Democrats are in the ascendancy. Wal-Mart has become America's "company store," complete with nearly indentured employees who are paid so little they can't afford to shop anywhere but Wal-Mart thus completing the circle. Unionization has and remains Wal-Mart's 900 pound gorilla. It's never mentioned but always on their mind.

I know this isn't a fair commentary. But the echo it rang in my head was my Grandfather's story of a sign in the factory where he worked which announced that, if Grover Cleveland won the presidency, the employees need not report to work any more. Of course Walmart and other employers are going to fight unions - that's what they do! Union discouraging and busting has been going on for years under both Republican and Democratic regimes. It's part of a cycle. But another part of the problem is that unions have spent most of the postwar (WWII) years shooting themselves in the feet, missing major changes in 'the workplace'.

Very revealing article co-written by two reporters about how Wal-Mart management is strongly recommending to its employees that they NOT vote Democratic this November election. They feature many anonymous sources but make up for it by interviewing "about a dozen Wal-Mart employees" and then get confirmation of these discussions by named, quoted Wal-Mart management; it's clear and understandable why these sources have requested anonymity, as they want to keep their jobs and would most likely (based on Wal-Mart's historically abominable treatment of its hourly-wage employees) be fired if Wal-Mart found out who they are. Some context shown by bringing in examples of other American companies also going to employees about how they ... More »

Very interesting. In the Obama platform event I went to last weekend, big business came in for a lot of anger from the attendees--for exactly this sort of action and more. The feeling was that their control of our government is what's wrecking the country. Now it appears they're afraid their stranglehold is about to be loosened. For most of us, that can't come too soon.

An interesting story about WalMart and other busines concern and actions regarding this election. The most interesting part of this story is the source. This story implies companies are working on the edge of legal and the story is from The Wall Street Journal.

Interesting story providing background on Wal-mart’s ongoing and previous efforts in stopping organized labor. The reporters interviewed a variety of sources including Wal-Mart employees and representatives, union leaders, and Chamber of Commerce officials. It would have been interesting to have included information if the downturn in the economy is impacting union organizing efforts. The Employee Free Choice Act may become more popular as a result of worker's benefits having been impacted under the current administration policies. The New York Times has a story today that China is going to slow down in manufacturing cheap stuff that is sold at Wal-Mart indicating that prices will go up. ... More »

A balanced and good functioning democracy needs Independent Working representation. Based on this premise, I congratulate the Wall Street Journal on this attempt to show the years of law suits and struggle without proper Working Peoples Representation and the failures precisely because they have undermined with their Rapid Anti Union Force. Yes, consumption for consumption sake will get more and more expensive, but working people have a bargaining right as well as Corporations and Party Politics. Independent from all in Washington D.C.