Worker Center Erroneously Alleged Walmart Unlawfully Fired Strikers
This case illustrates how worker centers and labor unions work closely together when trying to organize a company. The UFCW, which has unsuccessfully tried to organize Walmart for years, utilized its worker center OUR Walmart to allege that Walmart committed unfair labor practices when it fired two employees after they participated in demonstrations led by the UFCW-owned worker center. The NLRB found no merit to the allegations, and ruled that one worker was lawfully fired for taking excessive breaks and the other for multiple food safety violations. Worker centers are increasing the pressure against companies by utilizing corporate campaign tactics against many companies in the retail, transportation, fast food, and grocery industries. Worker center training and union avoidance training is critical for non-union companies and should be routinely held to maintain a union free environment.