WAL-MART WORKERS NOT GIVING UP THE FIGHT

The Bentonville, Arkansas-based Wal-Mart Stores is the world's largest --- not to mention, most profitable --- retailer, so it's no surprise that it goes to great lengths to prevent workers from organizing to improve their lot. They have blocked attempts by unions such as the United Food and Commercial Workers Union to represent their "associates" in collective barganing efforts and airing concerns regarding issues such as pay, scheduling, and health benefits.

The Associated Press has a story focusing on a new effort by Wal-Mart associates to voice their issues.

Sponsored by a coalition of unions, anti-poverty, and enviromential advocacy groups, the Wal-Mart Workers Association has attracted approximately 250 current and former employees from across Central Florida since it's formation, and is planning to expand it's launch into the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

More than 92,000 Floridians work in Wal-Mart's 170 SuperCenters and discount stores, 39 Sam's Club stores, eight neighbourhood markets, and six distribution centres. In Polk County alone there are eight Wal-Mart stores, one Sam's Club (in north Lakeland), and the Winter Haven Distribution Centre.

The battle continues...