Wal-Mart and Union Representation - Essay Example

? WAL-MART AND UNION REPRESENTATION of the of the School Answer: No Unions usually provide a number of considerable benefits to the unionized and non-unionized workers. Although Wal-Mart has been antiunion since its existence, but now it is experiencing union representation status in China and Canada. In this part of the paper, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages that Wal-Mart can get while working with unions. Advantages: Some of most considerable advantages that Wal-Mart can get while being represented by unions include better working conditions, increased number of benefits, good compensation, and secure place in the market. Wal-Mart can struggle for these benefits with the help of unions. Almost every retailer wants better working conditions not only to operate effectively but also to earn high revenue. Efficient supply chain, better relationships with suppliers, security of supply, and improved compliance are some of the main aspects of good working conditions for retailers. Along with these benefits, Wal-Mart can also raise its voice for good compensation and secure place in the market under the umbrella of unions. Working alone in foreign countries can be risky for Wal-Mart because there will be no one to support the business moves in case of any change in the economic policy. Therefore, in working with unions, Wal-Mart can achieve the above-mentioned benefits for its retail stores present in China and Canada. Disadvantages The capacity to accommodate economic strikes is one of the main disadvantages of union representation (Hunter, 1999). Another disadvantage can be the rules, which people have to abide by under the representation of unions. Apart from these disadvantages, there is no big disadvantage of union representation for Wal-Mart. Answer: No: 2 Mishel and Walters (2003) state, “Unions have a substantial impact on the compensation and work lives of both unionized and non-unionized workers”. For employees, unions are being very successful all over the world because they provide a large number of benefits to the employees. Unions can have a limited number of benefits for the employers but for employees, they have been very beneficial. Some of the most significant benefits, which unions can provide to the employees, include increased wages, reduction in wage inequality, better way to raise voice against discrimination, job security, better fringe and health benefits, and improved working conditions. Almost every employee working for any company or organization wants increase in the wages and job security. Union representation is a perfect way for the employees to achieve these goals. Unions work for the favor of employees and do everything, which can secure their professional future. Strong labor unions set the pay scales for the employees, which employers need to follow in order to avoid conflicts. The collective bargaining power of unions also protects employees from being dismissed without any mistake (Blank, n.d.). Unions not only help employees get fringe and heath benefits from the employers but also they raise their voice in order to convince governments to develop policies regarding reduction in wage differences and workplace discriminations. Workers represented by unions get their basic rights and benefits regardless of their race, sex, or religion. Therefore, we can say that unions really help employees get a considerable number of benefits. The disadvantages of unions for employees are not big enough to overshadow the benefits of unions. Some of the main disadvantages include limited workplace flexibility and limitations to adhere to the plans of the unions. Answer: no: 3 Wal-Mart tends to slow or stop union representation in the United States. The consequences of Wal-Mart’s efforts can be detrimental both for Wal-Mart and for the employees working in the United States. The consequences for Wal-Mart can be poor working conditions, decreased number of benefits, and insecure place in the market in case of increased competition. If we talk about the effects of anti-union efforts of Wal-Mart on the employees, we can say that employee rights can be snatched due to the efforts. Unions always work in favor of the employees, and in case of ban imposed on union representation; employees will not be able to raise their voice properly against any illegal action or discrimination. Wal-Mart’s efforts can snatch the right of free speech and struggle from the employees working in the United States. It is a fact that voice of a large group of people weighs more than the voice of a single person. Without union representation, hardly anyone listens to the voice of a small group of employees whereas in case of union representation, employees feel safe about their future because in such cases, they are being represented by strong labor unions. Moreover, employees will not be able to get desired fringe and health benefits from their employers, which will result in job dissatisfaction. Efforts against union representation will also result in decreasing employee productivity. Therefore, Wal-Mart needs to stop being anti-union because in today’s world of uncertain economic conditions, unions play an important role in securing the labor rights of employees and other members. Answer: No: 4 The Employee Free Choice Act controls the efforts of Wal-Mart to stop union representations in the United States. Representatives of Wal-Mart oppose this act and feel that most of their associates are unaware of what this Act actually says. EFCA is a good way to secure employees’ rights in the United States. Wal-Mart’s activities are restricted because of implementation of this Act. This Act empowers employees and allows them to make unions if they fulfill all requirements of forming a union. The Act directs employees to seek court injunction in case of any unfair decision by the employer (Gaudet, n.d.). Wal-Mart can raise voice against unions but neither Wal-Mart not its associates can take any major step to outlaw union representation in the United States. The efforts of Wal-Mart against union representation in the United States cannot be considered ethical. The reason is that Wal-Mart is already operating its business operations in China with union representation, so it has no legal or ethical right to make its efforts against union representation in the United States. Wal-Mart’s activities can only be considered ethical if the employees demand some unrealistic or illegal benefits from the concerned authorities. However, there is no such issue with the employees working in the United States, so Wal-Mart’s efforts against union representation are unethical. It is unethical for a company to raise voice against something, which the company itself is doing in other countries. In case of Wal-Mart, the company is enjoying the benefits of unions in other countries. Therefore, its activities against unions in the United States are unethical. References Blank, C. (n.d.). Advantages of Disadvantage of Labor Unions. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/list_5954431_advantages-disadvantage-labor-unions.html Gaudet, H. (n.d.). What is The Employee Free Choice Act?. Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-employee-free-choice-act.htm Hunter, R. (1999). Disadvantages of Union Representation. Retrieved from http://www.mackinac.org/2313 Mishel, L., & Walters, M. (2003). How unions help all workers. Retrieved from http://www.epi.org/publications/entry/briefingpapers_bp143/ Read More