Possible Strikes

[shopping4my3son]

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/green_bay/walmart-workers-to-strike-on-Black-Friday

 

In the call, worker’s rights organizers say there are plans to initiate about 1,000 protests or strikes across the country against the retailer. That includes an event in Milwaukee.

[BFQueenofNY]

It's very interesting but problems are arising everywhere. In Albuquerque, we just voted successfully to raise the minimum wage by $1 and the second it was approved, some retail restaurant organization threatened to sue to keep it from happening. Very weird happenings lately. Union or no union people are finally getting tired of being treated badly and they are not really getting the support they should. I think the "times they are a changin'" and it is going to be interesting to watch how we adapt.

[burgmules660]

Why is everyone talking about Walmart opening at 8PM on turkey day, why is there no discussion about all the other stores that are opening at the same time and a little bit later? They all have employees that will have to work as well!!!! Just doesn't make sense to me why people would only talk about Walmart in this situation.

[len_mullen]

Walmart doesn't need stores at all. Amazon gets along without them. Half of the time I go to Walmart, it's to pick up something I bought online. Were I king of Walmart, I'd set up tents at the far end of the parking lot and hand out 10x tickets as they were going to have merchandise then ship the merchandise directly to their customers. Then I'd replace the unhappy stores with small pickup and return operations.

[tyreejames]

Why is everyone talking about Walmart opening at 8PM on turkey day' date=' why is there no discussion about all the other stores that are opening at the same time and a little bit later? They all have employees that will have to work as well!!!! Just doesn't make sense to me why people would only talk about Walmart in this situation.

Because Walmart is considered evil to so many people. I've pointed out to several people that they are not the only store opening on Thanksgiving. If you're going to be mad at one be mad at all, IMO.

[shopping4my3son]

Why is everyone talking about Walmart opening at 8PM on turkey day, why is there no discussion about all the other stores that are opening at the same time and a little bit later? They all have employees that will have to work as well!!!! Just doesn't make sense to me why people would only talk about Walmart in this situation.

I think people talk about Walmart more because they are a big easy target. The news station that posted the story did it on Facebook also. The comments are mixed. Walmart is not the only employer open on a holiday. Other stores, gas stations, hospitals, restaurants, movies, even some grocery stores are.

 

I have a feeling people are sick of being treated like crap by employers in general. It has been an employers market for a long time and they can choose to treat employees like crap if they know they can get away with it.

[wittenlover]

I have zero issues with hospitals being open on a holiday, as they provide vital emergency services. I don't mind at least some gas stations being open, as some of us have to work right up until Thanksgiving and cannot travel to our families until Thanksgiving morning, with many needing to be back home that very night for work on Friday morning. Sometimes that travel = more than one full tank of gas.

 

I see no point in opening retail stores on Thanksgiving, though. Unnecessary. Good to see employees are starting to push back on this issue, even if I don't think strikes on Black Friday are necessarily the smartest way to go about it. (Thinking angry customers vs striking employee clashes are HIGHLY possible and likely dangerous to all.)

[jamieva]

Kmart has been open all day on Thanksgiving for years and nothing has ever been said about it. It's only because it's "evil" Walmart.

 

same people will shop at walmart though. Guess they're not that evil

[len_mullen]

I have zero issues with hospitals being open on a holiday, as they provide vital emergency services. I don't mind at least some gas stations being open, as some of us have to work right up until Thanksgiving and cannot travel to our families until Thanksgiving morning, with many needing to be back home that very night for work on Friday morning. Sometimes that travel = more than one full tank of gas.

 

I see no point in opening retail stores on Thanksgiving, though. Unnecessary. Good to see employees are starting to push back on this issue, even if I don't think strikes on Black Friday are necessarily the smartest way to go about it. (Thinking angry customers vs striking employee clashes are HIGHLY possible and likely dangerous to all.)

First, I see you are happy to see things YOU need staying open for YOU. I think you are being unfair to the employees of hospitals and gas stations -- not to mention police, fire, security, military, etc. Second, not everyone observes Thanksgiving or Christmas. Would you also support closing down services on Jewish or Muslim holidays?

 

The stores are opening because people will patronize them. It should not affect you if someone runs a cash register or stands in line on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. Stay home and observe your holiday as you see fit. Let others do the same. If enough people stay home, the stores will not open.

 

How do you feel about closing stores for the weekend? Saturday and Sunday are both sabath days for some. Shall we all rest for both?

 

As for workers who prefer to be home on holidays, that's between employee and employer. The employee free to negotiate that on the way in and free to leave when if unhappy with working conditions. The only time employers can treat employees like crap is when the employer is paying more than another employer that treats employees well.

 

Having worked a holiday or two in my youth, I always found the experience joyous. Employers were extremely generous with wages and perks and customers were very appreciative of the opportunity to shop at their convenience. I found plenty of time to celebrate with friends and family once my shift was over.

[HomeinKS]

Here is an article about Target: http://lifeinc.today.com/_news/2012/11/13/15136983-target-employees-protest-over-thanksgiving-shifts?lite#__utma=14933801.820293803.1349972432.1352767144.1352824201.83&__utmb=14933801.1.10.1352824201&__utmc=14933801&__utmx=-&__utmz=14933801.1352496997.79.18.utmcsr=newsfeed.time.com|utmccn=(referral)|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/&__utmv=14933801.|8=Earned

 

Wal-Mart gets a lot of attention because they are big and right or wrong, they have a reputation for treating their workers badly.

[wittenlover]

Wow Len. I guess I didn't do a very good job stating my point. Thanksgiving and Christmas are observed as *national* holidays. aka No banks, no mail, etc, much like other national holidays throughout the year. However, some services are still needed on those days such as police, fire, doctors, security, military, etc. Folks that go into those professions usually do so with the knowledge that they may well be giving up holidays at home with their families and, for that, I am very grateful to those willing to make the sacrifice. Sabbath days and other religious holidays (i.e. Easter) are *not* national holidays and do not need to be (nor would I expect them to be) observed as such.

[len_mullen]

You explained it well. I don't agree. A lot of people think the government should not observe religious holidays. Others are insisting schools give kids time off for muslim and jewish holidays. I say let the businesses and their customers decide when they should be open.

 

If people do not want to work holidays or weekends, it's up to them to find a job that does not require working holidays or weekends. If they think they have such a job, but the employer disagrees, then it's time to look for a new job.

 

It's not up to the government, or a selectman, or even you to decide who can operate a business. That's what I think, anyway.

 

I suspect that if Walmart advertised positions that were required to work Thanksgiving they would have no problem finding plenty of people to fill the jobs. Let those people work

[flosmoney]

I think it's greed. Let people have one day off for families. The consumer has the same amount of money to spend. They will still spend it all. I love Black Friday. The business owners are not working, it's the little people. Do you think Walmart, target employees are being paid extra? They are the ones who are treated badly by the shoppers.

[Jen198]

Walmart opens at 4am in my state, happy that their employees can at least enjoy Thanksgiving! I am not a fan of stores opening so early on Thanksgiving.

[len_mullen]

I think it's greed. Let people have one day off for families. The consumer has the same amount of money to spend. They will still spend it all. I love Black Friday. The business owners are not working, it's the little people. Do you think Walmart, target employees are being paid extra? They are the ones who are treated badly by the shoppers.

Walmart does not impress employees. They sign on of their own free will. No one comes to their home if they don't go to work.

[mom2monkiesx3]

If you don't agree don't shop the stores that open on t-day. Thats what it comes down to. If people come they will open. Its a business and even though I don't agree with working on holidays there are people right now that would probally gladly be paid overtime and work on any day to bring home a paycheck.

 

I won't be ANYWHERE but at home with my family on Thanksgiving and I am absolutely thankful to have that option and choice.

[mtsuboy]

I guarantee that if NO ONE shopped on Thanksgiving NO retailer would open. If you don't like the hours, DON'T SHOP on Thanksgiving. Last I looked, slavery was outlawed. If you don't like where you work, QUIT. What benefits do I get at Walmart? 40K/yr salary (I am NOT salaried), 4 weeks PAID vacation, PAID sick time, PAID personal time, insurance that costs under $35/month. Don't believe ALL the union propaganda. Oh yeah, I also get a 10% discount year round. During the middle of Novermber-January 1st we get 10% off groceries. If we work from 7pm-7am Thanksgiving/BF we get 1 transaction in December (6th or 7th) at 20% off.

[mom2monkiesx3]

I guarantee that if NO ONE shopped on Thanksgiving NO retailer would open. If you don't like the hours, DON'T SHOP on Thanksgiving. Last I looked, slavery was outlawed. If you don't like where you work, QUIT. What benefits do I get at Walmart? 40K/yr salary (I am NOT salaried), 4 weeks PAID vacation, PAID sick time, PAID personal time, insurance that costs under $35/month. Don't believe ALL the union propaganda. Oh yeah, I also get a 10% discount year round. During the middle of Novermber-January 1st we get 10% off groceries. If we work from 7pm-7am Thanksgiving/BF we get 1 transaction in December (6th or 7th) at 20% off.

that is great, I have one question if you dont' mind.....? Are ya'll getting paid more to work on Tday? Like time and a half or anything? I hadn't heard.

[flosmoney]

I am curious how long have you worked and what state? That is good money in Oklahoma.

[shoppinmama]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/wal-mart-workers-black-friday-110048819.html

 

A thousand store protests are planned in Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Minnesota, and Washington, D.C., the group says.

[homedirt]

I agree no one is forcing those people to work at Walmart. All this whining is outrageous. In my opinion unions are very bad for workers. Just look at hostess, the union went on strike now all these people are out of a job. Nice work union! Besides no one complains about most restaurants being open. What about those people I guess they don't count. I say if Walmart workers want to strike they can find a new job come monday. Another personal opinion based on what I've been told Walmart pays pretty good and offers decent benifits. I'm not saying they pay better than another retail business, but I feel they pay a fair wage. When I thought about working at Walmart ten or so years ago starting pay was $10.50 in North Carolina. I'm sure its more than that now, or maybe not with the way the ecomnony is these days. On that note these workers should just be glad to have a job.

[BFQueenofNY]

The states in question are all right to work states..not union states. Personally I think that the UFCW is targeting Walmart employees because they probably aren't the highest paid and people make negative comments about the company and the employees. I am just wondering what the purpose is. What is the UFCW looking for? More members? Something from Walmart specifically? They aren't going after any other non union company this publicly.

[peifgirl]

Walmart has always been open on Thanksgiving. Ours is a 24hr store and is only closed on Christmas Day.

[len_mullen]

The states in question are all right to work states..not union states. Personally I think that the UFCW is targeting Walmart employees because they probably aren't the highest paid and people make negative comments about the company and the employees. I am just wondering what the purpose is. What is the UFCW looking for? More members? Something from Walmart specifically? They aren't going after any other non union company this publicly.

With unions, dues paying members pay the bills and serve as muscle in politics and recruiting. A single union manipulating all walmart employees nationally would be intimidating. Edited November 17, 2012 by len_mullen
typo

[jaymacfla]

Because Walmart is considered evil to so many people. I've pointed out to several people that they are not the only store opening on Thanksgiving. If you're going to be mad at one be mad at all, IMO.

That is because they ARE an evil empire! With that being said, it must be understood that it is we, the American people who have created this monster with our insatiable desire for inexpensive products. Walmart was just the one who perfected the process of delivering those goods to us. Once Pandora's box was opened, it was all over and we didn't even care even though a wake of broken dreams followed every new store opening.

 

Does this mean that I am Anti-Walmart? Heck no. I like Walmart because they stepped up to the plate when other retailers who came before them failed to do so.

Just look at Sears and Kmart this year(now the same effectual company). After years of dismal ads, and so-so items cropping up here and there, they finally stepped up and gave us what should have been a long time ago....a competitive advertisement. They had the ability to step up in years past, but had a complacent attitude towards their customer base, and expected us to shop there anyway.

 

As far as the protests and possible strikes are concerned, I would caution those who would try and disrupt shoppers in their quest for these unbeatable values. It makes no sense to put organizers and strikers in deliberate harms way, just to get a point across. I am not looking forward to visions of protesters being arrested for subversive and disruptive activities on this most time honored event.

[hpowers]

I agree no one is forcing those people to work at Walmart. All this whining is outrageous. In my opinion unions are very bad for workers. Just look at hostess, the union went on strike now all these people are out of a job. Nice work union! Besides no one complains about most restaurants being open. What about those people I guess they don't count. I say if Walmart workers want to strike they can find a new job come monday. Another personal opinion based on what I've been told Walmart pays pretty good and offers decent benifits. I'm not saying they pay better than another retail business, but I feel they pay a fair wage. When I thought about working at Walmart ten or so years ago starting pay was $10.50 in North Carolina. I'm sure its more than that now, or maybe not with the way the ecomnony is these days. On that note these workers should just be glad to have a job.

Apparently you have never worked Union. If one was offered to most people that bash Unions they would take it in a heartbeat because of the better wages. Unions are around because of the dirty business owner that makes huge profits and doesn't reward their employees for making it possible. Tell me, how much were those Hostess workers making?

[tdanette]

that is great, I have one question if you dont' mind.....? Are ya'll getting paid more to work on Tday? Like time and a half or anything? I hadn't heard.

We get holiday pay

[peppysfireball]

Agreed, my dad and husband are both union. My dad retired with a pension of over 2000 a month plus his social security on top. My husband makes 31.00 an hour, plus an annuity on top plus insurance that doesn't come out of our check. His annuity is in tens of thousands and when he retires in 3 years at age 56, his pension will be full pension, with the annuity paid on top of that. When he doesn't work , his unemployment is over 2500 a month, which isn't very often and because he is union, he isn't required to look for work. The unions are a wonderful thing.

 

Apparently you have never worked Union. If one was offered to most people that bash Unions they would take it in a heartbeat because of the better wages. Unions are around because of the dirty business owner that makes huge profits and doesn't reward their employees for making it possible. Tell me, how much were those Hostess workers making?

[bigjimslade]

Just a reminder to keep it peaceful and non political here. I had to close the last thread a few days ago because it got too political.

[mtsuboy]

I am curious how long have you worked and what state? That is good money in Oklahoma.

17+ years, Tennessee. In my area it would be impossible to make this much money, even at a factory. As long as we work our scheduled day before the holiday, the holiday if scheduled, and the scheduled day after the holiday, we get holiday pay.