Wal-Mart Stores is a leading American multinational company. The corporation operates numerous chain stores and warehouses in different parts of the world.
The company competes with different retailers across the globe such as Nordstrom. Wal-Mart “markets different products such as electronics, house appliances, food materials, jewelries, clothes, shoes, beauty products, and mobile devices” (Gandel, 2013, p. 1).
This successful firm has also faced numerous criticisms from different labor unions and community groups. This essay summarizes three articles in order to understand the working conditions encountered by Wal-Mart’s employees. These summaries will give a clear picture of the challenges affecting many employees at Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart Accused of Violating Workers’ Rights
The article “Wal-Mart Accused of Violating Workers’ Rights” identifies the major challenges encountered by different workers at this multinational company. According to the article, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) had accused the company of mistreating and abusing its employees.
The company was discouraging its workers from participating in various protests. Wal-Mart had “fired nineteen employees for engaging in various demonstrations” (Trottman & Banjo, 2014, p. 1).
However, “the managers at Wal-Mart stated clearly stated that they were addressing all the issues affecting their workers” (Trottman & Banjo, 2014, p. 1). The article goes further to describe how Wal-Mart Stores has been violating various labor laws. The company was also threatening its employees after participating in various strikes.
The NLRB stated that such strikes were legal and constitutional. The “company had also threatened its employees with reprisal if they participated in any protest” (Trottman & Banjo, 2014, p. 1).
However, the managers and leaders at the corporation were against such claims. Wal-Mart Stores “dismissed Barbara Andridge-Collins after participating in a strike” (Trottman & Banjo, 2014, p. 1).
The authors also explain why “many workers at the company were complaining of reduced schedules, poor working conditions, and low wages” (Trottman & Banjo, 2014, p. 2). It is agreeable that the company has failed to support their employees. This situation has affected Wal-Mart’s business performance.
Wal-Mart Challenges Labor Board’s Complaint
The article “Wal-Mart Challenges Labor Board’s Complaint” describes the responses offered by Wal-Mart after firing its employees. This article explores the actions undertaken by Wal-Mart after its employees engage in various strikes.
According to the authors, Wal-Mart has failed to support its workers using the best remunerations and working conditions. The company “was also defending itself after dismissing its employee for participating in different strikes” (Banjo & Trottman, 2014, p. 1).
According to the company, it was appropriate to set the right examples in order to discourage its employees from participating in such strikes. This situation “was forcing the company to fire every employee who did not report to work” (Banjo & Trottman, 2014, p. 2).
The article identifies poor working conditions and low wages as the leading catalysts of these strikes. However, majority of these workers were losing their legal support after participating in such strikes. Many workers “had lost their jobs during Christmas and Thanksgiving Holidays” (Banjo & Trottman, 2014, p. 2).
This fact explains why it has been impossible for many workers at Wal-Mart to achieve their goals. The company has always treated strikes as forms of disruption. Such disruptions tend to affect the quality of services availed to different customers.
According to the article, the NLRB is currently examining the challenges affecting many workers at the company. The approach will be critical towards supporting the demands of every employee at the firm. The practice will also ensure the company offers the best working conditions to its workers.
Why Wal-Mart Can Afford to Give its Workers a 50% Raise
The article “Why Wal-Mart Can Afford to Give its Workers a 50% Raise” explains why the retailer should reconsider the needs and expectations of its employees. The article begins by highlighting the major challenges encountered by many employees at Wal-Mart Stores.
For instance, the employees encounter pathetic working environments. This malpractice has forced the workers to look for better jobs elsewhere. Wal-Mart is currently a leading retailer in the globe. The company has faced numerous criticisms from different agencies and labor unions for offering low wages to its employees.
However, statistics show that the company can offer better salaries to its workers without affecting its performance. The “company is currently in a position of increasing its wage bill because it makes over $17 billion in profits” (Gandel, 2013, p. 1).
The author of the article expects the company to split its profits in a proper manner. This practice will ensure every employee gets the best salary. This practice will ensure the workers achieve their objectives and goals. The strategy will also ensure the workers support the company’s goals.
Wal-Mart “has also been reinvesting its profits in the company’s operations” (Gandel, 2013, p. 2). This practice explains why the company has been opening more stores every year. Many investors and analysts believe strongly that Wal-Mart should be ready to pay its workers better remunerations.
According to Gandel (2013, p. 1), “a 50 percent pay rise can support the company’s goals and eventually make its successful”. This article examines why Wal-Mart continues to face numerous criticisms from different labor unions and government agencies.
The suggestions presented in this article will ensure the company improves the working conditions of its employees.
Reference List
Banjo, S. & Trottman, M. (2014, February 2). Wal-Mart Challenges Labor Board’s Complaint. The Wall Street Journal. Web.
Gandel, S. Why Wal-Mart Can Afford to Give its Workers a 50% Raise. Fortune. Web.
Trottman, M. & Banjo, S. (2014, January 15). Wal-Mart Accused of Violating Workers’ Rights. The Wall Street Journal. Web.