With parents searching for back-to-school supplies, organized labor is asking them to look anywhere but Wal-Mart. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union, National Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association have joined forces, urging consumers not to stock up for school at Wal-Mart stores.
The unions nationwide boycott has nothing to do with low prices that consumers pay, but rather the chains employment policies. The teachers unions, for example, say they give Wal-Mart failing grades for what they said were low wages, a lack of affordable health care, discrimination against women and violations of child labor laws. Wal-Mart calls the charges a publicity stunt and smear campaign.
Wal-Mart enjoys a strong relationship with local teachers, schools, and families in communities across America and helps get them ready to go back to school, the company said on a special Web site it has set up to counter the boycott, www.walmartfacts.com.
Through low prices -- like 25-cent crayons -- and substantial support for local education, students are our priority, not politics. Isn't it time the teachers' unions do the same?
The company said it has given out more than $45 million toward education and grants and continues to be one of the nations largest supporters of teachers and education.
But among the gripes voiced by the teachers unions is Wal-Marts support of the school voucher program, which provides tuition tax credits for parents who send their children to private schools.
Edward J. McElroy, President, American Federation of Teachers, even criticized Wal-Marts response to the unions boycott, saying he was astounded the chain included in its press release statement a plug for its 25-cent crayons.
Wal-Mart just doesnt get it, McElroy said
