While still attempting to rescue its reputation from decades-old accusations of behind-the-scenes manipulation and management practices less than family-friendly, the world's largest retailer is embroiled in another controversy: refuting charges of trying to influence employees' political choices and potential legislation, which allows organization of unions without secret ballots.
Wal-Mart does not deny talking to employees about its disdain for the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill supported by Democrats in general and co-author Barack Obama, in particular. David Tovar is with Wal-Mart. "We have been on record as opposing it for some time," he explains. "We feel educating our associates about the bill is the right thing to do." But the spokesman does refute the notion – alleged in a major report in The Wall Street Journal published August 1st – that company meetings called for store managers and department supervisors across the country recently, strongly suggested that if Democrats were voted into majority power this fall, they would likely support and pass a bill that would help unions form more easily, to the detriment of Wal-Mart workers. The Journal refers to unnamed sources – some of the attendees – who said they were not told how to vote, but scare tactics about Obama and the Democrats were used. Tovar says no one from the company's leadership gave such an instruction. "If anybody representing Wal-Mart gave the impression that we were telling associates how to vote, they were wrong and acting without approval," Tovar adds. "We stand ready to work with the new Congress and whomever is elected in November." After enduring a boycott led by pro-family groups several years ago for donating to controversial causes and ongoing accusations of low pay and worker mistreatment, the retail giant appears to again be on the hot seat during this political season, as critics watch its every move closely in stores and behind the scenes.
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