Wal-Mart has its first trade union - in China, as insisted upon by the Chinese government.
the NYT:
Official Union Set Up in China at Wal-Mart
Workers at Wal-Mart Stores have formed their first trade union, in China
and the Tribune:
Chicago Tribune news: Wal-Mart workers form 1st union
BEIJING, CHINA -- Workers at Wal-Mart have formed their first trade union in China, after demands from the government that the company allow organized labor in its stores, according to reports in the official news media over the weekend. Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, has long sought to bar unions from its stores, particularly in the United States. But the government-controlled All-China Federation of Trade Unions has campaigned to set up branches in China, where Wal-Mart employs 30,000 people at 60 outlets.
I loathe a company that doesn't allow its workers to organize and profits from ridiculous wages. I am glad they haven't been able to get into the Westside, here in Los Angeles or in South Central, where there was a vote and Walmart went kaput, like chicken in Arkansas.
Oh, Wal-Mart will be back. There are only so many places they can expand to, and top urban areas like LA and Chicago are certainly on their list.