August 12, 2004
Thursday

We need to Unionize Wal-Mart in Ketchikan. Working for no benefits, over-time pay and 32 hours is only the fault of the hourly employees. The employees at Wal-Mart should vote in an organized Union that will negotiate a fair wage and benefit packages for them. Employees have to help themselves.

I have belonged to several Unions in my life and I believe in Unions. I am presently a member of the I.B.E.W. Union Local 175. It is my opinion that Wal-Mart management intimidates their employees nation-wide for just talking about Unions and may fire them for talking about putting a Union in at Wal-Mart.

The employees at Wal-Mart need to stick together and organize. What do you have to lose? It is my opinion that the Wal-Mart Corporation can care less about their employees. There are several lawsuits against Wal-Mart for discrimination, seniority, hiring illegals and wages all around in the lower 48.

I once helped organized an Iron Workers' Union in Springfield, Oregon at a railroad repair shop. Employed approximately 50 welders. After we voted in the Union, negotiations took us another year. But after, the rewards were immediate - dental, medical, holiday pay, vacation pay and sick leave. It was worth it.

Boycotting Wal-Mart is not the answer. Show courage and put in a Union at Wal-Mart. If
Wal-Mart does not care about the people that work for them nor the people in Ketchikan. Put in a Union, any Union. Organize! Organize! Organize! This is my own opinion.

Don Hoff Jr.
Ganax adi Clan
Yei l hit
Taan ta Kwaan
E-mail: Unukriver@aol.com
Hixson. TN - USA

 

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