Why I'm Boycotting Walmart, And You Should Too | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

As Long As Walmart Is Anti-Worker And Anti-Union, I'll Be Anti-Walmart, And So Should You

Walmart has a long history of anti-worker behavior, and it's time we stand up to them.

920
As Long As Walmart Is Anti-Worker And Anti-Union, I'll Be Anti-Walmart, And So Should You

Walmart has recently come under pressure to do more for its employees, particularly by 2020 Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders. The thing is, Walmart has had a long history of these practices, and nothing is being done about it.

In 1995, Walmart was sued by a collection of pharmacist and small business owners claiming the business was practicing predatory pricing and driving competitors out of business. The Arkansas Supreme Court, however, decided in favor of the company.

Fair distribution of justice? Or is this the classic case of big businesses always winning?

In 2003, Walmart was again challenged on its pricing, this time in Germany. This time, they lost. As the New York Times reported,

After months of investigation, Germany's federal cartel office accused Wal-Mart of inciting a price war in which it and two German supermarket chains illegally sold products below their wholesale costs. The regulators said they acted to prevent Wal-Mart and other big chains from using ''unfair'' tactics to devastate smaller stores.

Other countries have acted on Walmart's status as a monopoly, while the United States has done nothing. Obviously, this is a major issue but isn't the main point of why I think everyone should boycott Walmart:

Walmart is blatantly anti-worker. The upper executives make billions of dollars while the average worker barely breaks minimum wage. Walmart has a history of ignoring labor laws when it comes to breaks and meals. Furthermore, they've been caught firing workers for absolutely ridiculous reasons.

These issues pale in comparison to how Walmart treats unions, however. They give their managers anti-union training. Walmart has closed stores where unions were attempting to form. Instead of just dealing with the problems present at the stores, they just fire their workers, shut their doors, and leave (much like they did when challenged in 2003 in Germany for their pricing; they left).

Unions are crucial to protecting worker's rights. Walmart's adamant stance against unions shows how little they care about their workers. It's gotten so ridiculous, even the Walmart sub-Reddit is fighting against anti-union memes.

America is about the rights of its citizens. Walmart clearly does not care about its workers' rights and is, in fact, actively working to minimize them. It's time we held them accountable.

This is why I am boycotting Walmart, and think you should too.

Report this Content
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

850
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15823
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3269
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments