Wal-Mart Girds for Showdown With New Congress on Unions, Trade

[OhioChick]

Dec. 4 (Bloomberg) -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc., long an ally of Republicans, has spent the last two years ramping up political donations to Democrats. The company will soon find out whether that bet will pay off.

The world's largest retailer will contend next year with a Democratic-led Congress with close ties to organized labor. Democratic leaders say one of their priorities is a bill opposed by Wal-Mart making it easier for workers at the non-union company to organize. Lawmakers may also block Wal-Mart's plans to operate a bank and thwart trade deals that allow the company to import goods at low prices.

Bentonville, Arkansas-based Wal-Mart says it wants to persuade lawmakers that criticism of its labor practices is unwarranted and that free trade helps consumers. The company has enlisted at least one Democratic ally, Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, and has given money to the Congressional Black Caucus, a group of 43 Democratic lawmakers.

``We're optimistic,'' says Lee Culpepper, who heads lobbying efforts in Washington for Wal-Mart. ``Our opportunity to build relationships will probably lead to an increase'' in donations to Democrats.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a6JOvd6gbk0g&refer=home

[texpatriot2004]

1. I see, so The Mart of Darkness is ready to bribe Congress...

in other words, Wal-Mart to Congress, "don't let our people form unions and we will pay you lots and lots of cash"

[Proletariatprincess]

2. This is shy Walmart is kissing up to thier emplyees.

Just read an article earlier this morning about how Walmart is trying to improve employee relations by giving a christmas bonus (miserly 10% discount on one store item) and to listen to greivances. Nothing new here. Scumbag bosses always put on a smiley face when the union is in town. It always fools some workers and they vote against thier own interests. Still, given a fair election, workers will almost always vote for a union. But, fair elections are not possible in todays USA given the currant NLRB.

[pberq]

3. Kick & Nominated