“Lest anyone forget…”

...the value of collective bargaining, let’s take a look at what Wal-Mart workers in Guiyang, Guizhou and their labor union have recently negotiated for:

Wal-Mart’s Guiyang Stores For the First Time Sign Collective Contract [Xinhua]

Recently, Wal-Mart’s two Guiyang, Guizhou stores’ labor union signed its first collective contract with Wal-Mart regarding issues such as worker pay, rest and holiday time, worker safety, insurance, worker training, women workers’ special rights, and other protections.

The labor union chair introduced the collective contract, as personal contracts would be ending, to make clear that Guiyang’s foreign investment companies must defend worker rights in accordance with the law.

One of the key provisions of the collective contract is the creation of a wages collective consult mechanism – every December the labor union and company will discuss the extent of a pay increase.  The company’s lowest wage must be distinctly greater than Guiyang’s minimum wage.

Posted by Michael Mignano on Wednesday, August 20, 2008

COMMENTS

Since unions supposedly do so much for employees, you guys should post some contracts from some of the unionized grocers from different parts of the country.  It’s hard to find them online, but I have seen a couple and so far none are better than Walmart.  Until you can get more for your members than what Walmart gives, you really have no right to criticize Walmart.

Dave in
Thursday, August 21 at 08:38 AM

...the creation of a wages collective consult mechanism –

Hats off to the Chinese. While they have obviously seen the limitations of a communist economy, they are also aware of the shortcomings of laissez-faire capitalism as well.

It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it. ~ Upton Sinclair

Ken V in Texas
Thursday, August 21 at 11:29 AM

Wow, BIG first step here, and from a communist country, no less. Well done.

YoniX in
Thursday, August 21 at 01:34 PM

Wow, BIG first step here, and from a communist country, no less. Well done.

YoniX in
Thursday, August 21 at 01:34 PM

Please excuse the double post.

YoniX in
Thursday, August 21 at 01:34 PM

Please excuse the double post.

The new format has s-l-o-w-e-d this site considerably, especially submitting comments. The urge to click the (SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS) bar a second time is irresistible.

What’s good for Wal-Mart is BAD for America!

Ken V in Texas
Friday, August 22 at 06:16 AM

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