(Updated) NLRB findings of intimidation could overturn Target store’s vote against union

Above is from the UFCW Blog site:
http://ufcwblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/3-reasons-why-target-is-trial-today.html

The Minnesota Independent has been keeping up with the NLRB's actions regarding the Valley Stream Target union vote and reports that newly placed charges might be enough to have an administrative law judge overturn the 137-85 vote of this past June.

The firing of union organizer Tashawna Green (UFCW Local 1500) and other pro union supporters in the aftermath of the vote has dinged Target's win and may, together with other intimidation, cause a revote. However, historically, such revotes have not resulted in turnarounds for unions, so a second bite at the apple may be for nothing.

For the article see: http://tinyurl.com/4y744xb

and also take a look at the video: http://tinyurl.com/3c35quf
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Target Cleans Out It's Pro Union Workforce

 at the Valley Stream Store

Regular blog readers might recall my 6/18/11 post on this site about the below Valley Stream, NY Tarbutt store having voted 137 to 85 against unionization. 
See:   http://targetfiling.blogspot.com/search?q=valley+stream  (located at:  500 W Sunrise Hwy, Valley Stream, NY 11581 (516) 568-9264)

The same store is now back in the news for having decimated the ranks of those who were in favor of bringing in a union, the headline reads:

"Target Cleans Out Workforce at Valley Stream Store, turnover nearly hits 25% in 6-months"

Obviously Tarbutt is spooked at the chance that any revote might give unions a toe hold in their 1700 stores. The 1/27/12 article says in part:

"Preparing for the February 1st federal hearing on Target Corp.'s violations of the National Labor Relations Act, United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local . . . expressed outrage that over 20% of the workforce at Valley Stream Target has been "turned over" or replaced, cleansing the store of longtime employees seeking better working conditions from the billion-dollar company."

Like the song says:  'you need to know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em'.  Target was ahead of the game in the June vote, but now they face serious NLRB violations for canning pro-union employees.

The full article can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/7hkqmpn

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Huffington Post said of the prior vote:

NLRB Accuses Target Of Intimidating Workers Before Valley Stream Union Vote

"More evidence has come to light indicating that Target might have threatened to close one its New York stores if workers decided to unionize, according to the National Labor Relations Board.

The change may convince a judge to invalidate the results of a June election in which workers at a Valley Stream, New York Target voted not to join the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, according to Crain's New York Business.

The NLRB's claim comes after an earlier complaint alleging that Target implemented surveillance of its employees and threatened to close the store amongst other charges. The case is likely to head to an administrative law judge early next year and the NLRB will decide whether to overturn the June vote based in part on the judge's decision."

Full article at: http://tinyurl.com/7y8p34s  and remember folks that: TARGET SUCKS!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you are looking for a decidedly pro union perspective on the Valley Stream issue you might take a look at the full article, part of which is quoted here FYI:

Target Comes Under Fire Around the World

By: Michelle Chen Monday August 15, 2011

VALLEY STREAM, NY - The retail giant Target is under fire from all sides, for union-busting at home and labor violations overseas. The reports that have come out in the past several weeks highlight a continuum of cruelty in the global supply chain.

Though WalMart has long served as labor’s arch nemesis, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) has lately zeroed in on Target as a new battlefield—with its hundreds of thousands of employees and recent expansion into the supermarket sector. Although UFCW Local 1500 recently lost a vote to unionize a branch in Valley Stream, New York, their campaign deftly exposed Target’s arsenal of intimidation and smear tactics, which ranged from anti-union websites to leaflets warning that a yes vote might ruin the company and force the store to close.

Now plastered across the blogosphere, the propaganda campaign has steeled the outrage at the company’s resistance to unions. Organizers have announced they will keep up the fight:






"Target’s honeymoon is over, the national attention from the election at Valley Stream showed the American public the type of company they really are, one who has little respect for the hard working people who make their company so successful. Target still has the opportunity to change, and they should start by respecting their employees."

Full article is at:

http://my.firedoglake.com/meeshellchen/2011/08/15/target-comes-under-fire-around-the-world/