Walmart

More than just China and Honduras here in the United States their workers arent even allowed to unionize.

 

sure you did...you immediately after said "just because something is better does not make it right" assuming that I was saying it was ok that those workers were working under those extreme circumstances. What else would that be referring to? Coming immediately after using my quote and saying it's a shabby arguement...I'm inclined to think that. As far as fast food restaurants in the states...my point earlier was that the reason corporations such as Walmart can continue to exploit their workers is because people are willing to work under such circumstances. I used fast food joints here in the states as an example because if you've ever been to one you'll notice that a high majority are illegal immigrants who are willing to take the poor wages and work in the crappy environment. I sure as hell won't and I'm betting that most everyone on this board wouldn't...but those companies could care less because someone will. Now....morally...is that right? Not in my opinion...but then again in my post I wasn't voicing my opinion on whether I thought it was right or wrong.

so you're telling me that they are holding guns to the workers heads to do the work?

 

so... just so I get this straight. Walmart replaced GM as the largest corporate employer in the US.

And you criticize them for not allowing Unions in.

You must think the Waltons are idiots.

Be careful, I worked for GM and so did most of my family...ALL union members.

 

Wow I did not think this topic would get so many people riled up.

Petty fog, name an Internet site or book that would prove the Documentary wrong.

 

Well... No one thinks that documentary is earth-shattering important.

I dont.

And here's the reason... suppose concentrated efforts of Walmarts enemies took the company down.
That would be a permanent financial tragedy for 100's of thousands (mainly lower middle class, non-elitist educated .. so they dont matter because they arent 'poor' or 'informed') but to the non-stockholder, it would be a blip before another retail colossus took its place.. like Tesco, for example.
I keep an eye on Walmart looking for abuse of corporate power, like the afore mentioned land seizures to get the taxes Walmart pays.
I shop at Sam's Club, Walmart shoppers depress me.. {does that give you a hint as to why the elite despise them?}

But that's what it means to live in a market economy country.. on the other hand, we could go marxist and have just one state retail giant, so we could stand in line to buy our allotment of cabbage.



Just to be sure of myself, I did a google search on Walmart practices, and found This paper

It outlines much of what is criticized.

As to outrages in worker rights, I'm not going to apologize for Walmart on that.. but where is the government on this? Not ours, but the country concerned.

Note, however, that Malaysia was a former 'sweatshop country' as was Indonesia Political conditions in those countries aside, there's no denying that foreign investment in manufacturing made more difference in their economies than any statist economic moves prior or since.

This brings us to Honduras
Read the political section:

We already know about China dont we?

 

OK, this is getting out of hand.

Firstly, I was not responding to you as a person, as far as I am concerned you are a text generator. There is nothing personal in any of my responses to what you have said; I am not trying to tell you what you think. I often argue contrary points to my beliefs as it brings a greater understanding of any issue. I was responding to the point, I did not say ‘Omsdogg - you are shabby making that point".

I was trying to say that I thought that the point itself was not a robust defense of the practice. If the language I have used has upset you, for that I apologies, I have no interest in causing anyone on this site angst, life is hard enough without others adding issues to it.

Clearly not, my understanding of the line [in connection with the point that you were making, but may or may not have a personal belief about] "nobody's holding a gun to their head" is an accepted phase in English meaning that free will is being exercised. In this case - I read into this that the point you were making (different to your opinion) was that they actively seek employment in poor conditions because they know they can get work there.

I am not arguing against the truth, it happens the world over (Indian railway children for example). From a moral stand point, I believe (and this is my opinion) that just because someone can be employed to do something without regard for their safety, it does not mean they should. Each employer has an obligation to their staff, and moving your opperation outside of your native country should not give you reason to downgrade your responsibility. Just because it happens does not justify it.

It is the same fallacy as "everyone kicks the dog, therefore it is good to kick the dog". It is a shabby argument for dog kicker everywhere.

Once again, if you feel it was a personal attack - then I am sorry for that misunderstanding.

 

GBFC...no worries dude. usually I don't care if someone disagrees with me...I just felt that in this instance my comment was being judged as to how I stand on this situation, when in actuality I was just trying to say why I thought big corporations did what they did, so I take the blame for not being clearer. I'm over though dude...so no worries.

 

My point about unions is that when they are in place workers tend to have more rights due to the fear of strike. Imagine if all Wal-Mart workers were to picket, the company would have to give in to demands for better working conditions/ benefits for workers. This is the reason Wal-Mart doesn't allow unions. I don't think that your workers should suffer so you can have a few extra dollars in your pocket.

 

I for one as a capitalist sympathizer, would be thrilled if some new union format arose, taking the best attribute of a 'guild' and all Walmart workers voted them in at once, across the nation... but,as a former member of three unions, one at Kroger, two at GM, understand why it's a bad idea.

As it is... the vast majority of corporations are incredibly short-sighted, and only the next quarter bottom line counts. How good is it that Walmart can see 20 years ahead. Again, I point to GM... even Kroger.