Union leaders and community organizers convened a national meeting in Washington DC yesterday to discuss Wal-Mart's downward pull on wages and ways to challenge the company's influence. The AFL-CIO is also considering making Wal-Mart a major focus of its post-election activities.
Wal-Mart has been the subject of intense criticism for years. Wal-Mart recently began a campaign to improve their image, seeking to counter charges that the company has negative impacts on the communities it enters. Wal-Mart is trying to recast themselves as a positive force--advertising a false commitment to their employees and the commmunities in which they open stores. However, such statements ignore the reality of the Wal-Mart corporation--violations of environmental laws, use of a growth model that promotes urban sprawl, anti-union actions, sexual discrimination, exploitation of immigrants, and low wages.
There are indications that Wal-Mart is beginning to feel the pressure. Citizens have prevented Wal-Mart from opening in Inglewood, California while a campaign is currently underway to prevent Wal-Mart from opening stores in Chicago. In addition, activists are planning large demonstrations outside of Wal-Mart's annual shareholders meeting in Arkansas.
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