Desperate Wal-Mart plans to close its first unionized store NUPGE
American bully plays low-wage hardball at store in Jonquiere, Quebec
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the retail chain symbolizing anti-unionism around the world, has announced it will close a Quebec store that was on the verge of becoming its first fully unionized outlet.
The Arkansas-based giant, which reported more than $250 billion (US) in sales last year, announced the closure as the clock ticked down on last-gasp attempts to avoid signing a contract with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW Canada) on behalf of 200 employees in Jonquiere, about 200 kilometres north of Quebec City.
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has joined forces with the UFCW to help unionize Wal-Mart workers in Canada.