Wal-Mart had at least a couple of angry customers that went to extremes this month. One of them was angry about a broken printer which he wound up smashing what was left of it when they refused to take it back; and another pulled a BB gun out that looked like a machine gun and pointed at the clerk when he refused to take back a tablet and a pair of headphones. I don’t know if they had a legitimate complaint but I do know there is an enormous amount of reporting exposing the fact that Wal-Mart has been pressuring their suppliers to cut costs more every year and this inevitably leads to problems. As I have reported previously many of their products fall apart much faster than they used to and it is extremely frustrating for customers who have to return or replace them much more often.
They also had at least a couple disgruntled customers that had blatant complaints which weren’t handled well even though Wal-Mart was obviously at fault. One of them had their car damaged by a Wal-Mart employee and was left without transportation until after it made big news and Wal-Mart felt they had to address it to minimize damage to what little is left of their reputation. The other bought gift cards that contained blank Starbuck cards instead of prepaid Mastercards and even though he opened the second in front of the manager he still refused to repay him and sent him to his supplier.
Is it really any wonder why they might have more crime and angry customers than other stores?
They didn’t dominate the market by treating their customers well; they did so by using their political connections to gain an advantage over other companies.
They had their usual number of shootings including one example where one of their employees said, “I’m not making enough money to put my life in jeopardy,” although others at the incident may have done just that. Ironically this is the first time where I have seen them overreact when a customer was robbed; all the previous incidents where they might have reacted this way were to prevent robbers from stealing from Wal-Mart. However there was another report about a law suit where they did little or nothing to protect their customer.
At least one of the people involved in armed robbery demonstrated knowledge of where the safe was leading the police to believe that he was probably a current or former employee. There have been quite a few incidents with disgruntled employees although I haven’t counted them, but another shooting happened on the first of February by a Wal-Mart employee.
They’re having serious problems in both China and Mexico; past stories have indicated that their expansions in India and Africa aren’t going well either. One of their suppliers in Guatemala was caught red handed stealing from their workers.
It is highly unlikely that Wal-Mart will be prosecuted nearly as vigorously as those that steal from them even though they are much more involved in a variety of white collar activities that should be considered crimes and in some cases they are, ranging from endangering lives in sweatshops to false advertising and many other things.
Barack Obama criticized Wal-Mart during the state of the union but shortly after that he said that Wal-Mart and other companies have agreed to help increase the availability of jobs.
They kept that promise by announcing over two thousand lay offs within a day or two after Obama announced they made it; most of these are apparently management jobs from Sam’s Club, which implies that it is in addition to the end of temporary holiday hiring.
Not everyone is upset with Wal-Mart though; a bird in Texas was quite pleased to stay in one of their stores for weeks and eat all he could find.
Strange things happen at Wal-Mart!
In 2006 Wake Up Wal-Mart did a study, "Is Wal-Mart Safe?" based on incidents in 2004, (PDF) about crime at Wal-Mart which showed that it increased when Wal-Marts opened up and that crime was higher at Wal-Mart than at other retailers. Since then Wal-Mart Shootings began compiling a list of gun related incidents at Wal-Mart and demonstrated that they have a large number of them, including on average more than one shooting per week somewhere in the country. I also added my own review about why I think that Wal-Mart policies have been contributing to higher crime in a blog, Wal-Mart high crime rate continues uninvestigaterd and have provided additional information under the author tag Walmart Crime Watch.
Stacy Mitchell has also compiled a list of other studies about Wal-Mart and how they impact society, Key Studies on Big-Box Retail & Independent Business. To the best of my knowledge Wal-Mart has done as little as they seem to get away with, often relying on rhetoric that isn't backed up with action, when it comes to addressing any of their critics concerns, including crime. The following are a list of incidents that occurred in January 2014. According to the "Is Wal-Mart Safe?" the average store in their sampling had 250 incidents per year, indicating that these are only a fraction of the crime reports at Wal-Mart, and presumably, the ones most likely to make the news on the internet nationwide. This isn't statistically representative, as the 2006 study or some of the studies cited by Stacy Mitchell; but it does provide some additional information that may help recognize how many problems there are at Wal-Mart.
Man steals realistic BB gun from Louisiana Walmart, tries carjacking, robs store, and shot dead by police 01/01/2014
Police: Suspects forge checks, buy thousands in goods from Eureka Missouri Walmart 01/02/2014
Man's Body Found At Walmart Parking Lot In Ohio; No Foul Play Suspected 01/02/2014
Police: Women steal leggings, underwear from Shelby NC Walmart 01/02/2014
Police: Man's fraudulent returns at Ark. Walmart land him in jail 01/02/2014
Masked men steal donation box from Ga. Walmart store 01/02/2014
Dyersburg Tenn. Man Arrested After Leaving Child In Truck Outside Walmart 01/03/2014
Officer, suspect injured in crash, chase that started at Nev. Wal-Mart 01/03/2014
NJ Police: Dispatcher stole drugs from Target, Wal-Mart 01/03/2014
Police seek man who robbed Wake Forest NC Walmart money center 01/03/2014
Joking gone awry at Bastrop Tx. Walmart 01/04/2014 Bastrop police say a Walmart employee who falsely reported over a store walkie-talkie that a robbery was occurring on Christmas Eve morning created “a very serious” incident.
Canyon Lake, Wildomar Men Arrested In Connection With Ca. Walmart Investigation 01/03/2014
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. : Fla. Suspect wanted to be on Death Row ; It seemed a safer place to man who is accused of raping, killing Cherish 01/03/2014
6 Ga. Walmart employees charged with theft 01/01/2014
Man Walks Into Madison Heights Va. Walmart, Steals TV, Investigators Say 01/03/2014
Two men snatch iPad from Walmart in Evesham Township NJ 01/03/2014
Man wanted in retail theft at Silver Spring Pa. Walmart 01/03/2014
Cops: Attempted purse snatching inside Portage Ill. Walmart lands two men in jail 01/02/2014
Tenn. Walmart employee reports assault 01/04/2014
Spartanburg SC police searching for shoplifter who pepper sprayed Walmart employees 01/02/2014
NC Walmart theft leads to man's arrest on gun, drug charges 01/02/2014
Youngstown slaying suspect nabbed outside Columbus Walmart 01/02/2014
Appeals court trims sentence in case of Christmas Eve 2011 NY Walmart attack 01/04/2014
Laurel Md. Wal-Mart Evacuated Due To High Carbon Monoxide Levels 01/05/2014
LAUREL, Md. (WJZ) — Customers are shopping again at an Anne Arundel County Wal-Mart after the store shut down for hours.
Paramedics were in the building for another incident when the alarm suddenly went off for a carbon monoxide scare.
Rochelle Ritchie explains what happened.
If it had not been for carbon monoxide detectors worn by paramedics, no one in the building would have known that high levels of the poisonous gas were spreading. Complete article
LAUREL, Md. (WJZ) — Customers are shopping again at an Anne Arundel County Wal-Mart after the store shut down for hours.
Paramedics were in the building for another incident when the alarm suddenly went off for a carbon monoxide scare.
Rochelle Ritchie explains what happened.
If it had not been for carbon monoxide detectors worn by paramedics, no one in the building would have known that high levels of the poisonous gas were spreading. Complete article
Lexington SC Walmart Evacuates due to carbon monoxide leak 01/05/2014
Two arrested in Tenn. Walmart purse theft 01/05/2014
Man charged with child abuse after incident outside Clarksville Tenn. Walmart 01/05/2014
Two arrested for retail theft at Penn. Walmart 01/05/2014
Police trying to identify two men at SC Walmart 01/05/2014
Arizona PD: Officer chases Walmart shoplifter before arresting him, girlfriend 01/05/2014
PHOENIX - Police say an officer had to run after a shoplifter Sunday evening at a Walmart in Phoenix before arresting him and his girlfriend.
The Phoenix police officer responded to a call regarding a shoplifter at the Walmart near Bethany Home Road and 15th Avenue, said Sgt. Steve Martos.
The officer was about to handcuff the suspect in a security office when the suspect ran out, according to Martos.
As the officer tried to get out of the office, the suspect reportedly slammed the door on the officer's arm and shoulder.
Martos said the suspect ran into a woman, who is a few months pregnant, and knocked her to the ground. Complete article
PHOENIX - Police say an officer had to run after a shoplifter Sunday evening at a Walmart in Phoenix before arresting him and his girlfriend.
The Phoenix police officer responded to a call regarding a shoplifter at the Walmart near Bethany Home Road and 15th Avenue, said Sgt. Steve Martos.
The officer was about to handcuff the suspect in a security office when the suspect ran out, according to Martos.
As the officer tried to get out of the office, the suspect reportedly slammed the door on the officer's arm and shoulder.
Martos said the suspect ran into a woman, who is a few months pregnant, and knocked her to the ground. Complete article
Three accused of stealing from NY Walmart 01/06/2014
Woman given jail time for her part in Wisc. Walmart thefts 01/06/2014
Evesham NJ police seeking Walmart shoplifting suspects 01/04/2014
Hunters fire on Mass. Walmart 01/02/2014
WV Walmart removes personal injury lawsuit to federal court 01/03/2014
Walmart shoppers, there's not a problem with your delivery: Plain Dealing E-Mail scam 01/0/2014
Police searching for suspect in Tenn. Walmart laptop thefts 01/06/2014
Fla. Walmart manager fired after jumping in back of theft suspect's truck 01/06/2014
Three arrested for stealing over $1500 in goods from Warsaw NY Wal-mart 01/06/2014
Police: These men went to Bellevue Wash. Walmart just to rob shoppers 01/07/2014
Women attacked by robbers in Bellevue Wash. Walmart lot 01/07/2014
Gulfport Miss. woman accused in embezzlement at Wal-Mart 01/07/2014
Teen arrested after Walmart armed robbery at 44th Street and Peoria Avenue in Tulsa Ok. 01/07/2014
Whittlesey Boulevard Ga. Walmart robbed by alleged armed shoplifters 01/08/2014
Suspects accused of beating Tx. Walmart greeter 01/08/2014
Two bomb threats in two days at Statesville NC Walmart 01/08/2014
UPDATE: Stolen car returned to Ok. Wal-Mart worker by vigilant viewer 01/09/2014
Fla. Wal-Mart check forgery suspect wanted 01/09/2014
Bomb threat prompts evacuation of Walmart in Tarboro NC 01/10/2014
Charlotte NC Walmart reopens after bomb threat 01/09/2014
75-year-old woman robbed in Charlotte NC Walmart parking lot 01/09/2014
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police in Albemarle say they are interviewing possible suspects in a robbery that may have sent an elderly woman to the hospital with serious heart problems.
The woman, who is 75, was leaving the Walmart on Leonard Drive in Albemarle at 2:45 Wednesday afternoon when police say a man offered to return her shopping cart, then grabbed her purse and pushed her to the ground.
The woman had scrapes and bruises, but later complained about heart problems and an ambulance took her to the hospital in Albemarle. Complete article
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police in Albemarle say they are interviewing possible suspects in a robbery that may have sent an elderly woman to the hospital with serious heart problems.
The woman, who is 75, was leaving the Walmart on Leonard Drive in Albemarle at 2:45 Wednesday afternoon when police say a man offered to return her shopping cart, then grabbed her purse and pushed her to the ground.
The woman had scrapes and bruises, but later complained about heart problems and an ambulance took her to the hospital in Albemarle. Complete article
Tenn. Walmart Thief Tased, Caught by Store Security 01/10/2014
Police: Newberry Pa. Walmart parker exposed genitals, wrote sex note 01/10/2014
Attack at Bellevue Wa. Walmart caught on video 01/09/2014
Tx. Walmart Employee Admits to Stealing Cash 01/09/2014
Man indicted in Ohio Walmart stabbing 01/09/2014
Vineland NJ Police: Walmart baby formula thefts possibly related 01/09/2014
Six Charged in Retail Thefts from Hilltown Pa. Walmart, Police Say 01/09/2014
Two arrested on shoplifting charges at Mont. Wal-Mart 01/08/2014
This Is How a Father Was Treated After Ca. Walmart Sold Him a Bad Batch of Gift Cards 01/09/2014
Ken Mumper purchased several prepaid Vanilla Mastercards for his family — only to find that each gift card envelope contained a blank Starbucks card.
And Walmart refuses to give the California man a refund.
When Mumper discovered the error, he took the cards back to the Chino, Calif., Walmart where he bought them. He even left one un-opened so the store manager could see for herself what he was talking about.
“And she opened it and sure enough another Starbucks card,” the father told KNBC-TV.
The Walmart manager told him the store was aware of the problem and that they had already pulled the faulty gift cards from their shelves – but she added the mistake was not their fault and she refused to give the father a refund.
“The fact they were aware that there was a problem but they were not willing to take responsibility for it was quite frustrating,” Mumper said. Complete article
Ken Mumper purchased several prepaid Vanilla Mastercards for his family — only to find that each gift card envelope contained a blank Starbucks card.
And Walmart refuses to give the California man a refund.
When Mumper discovered the error, he took the cards back to the Chino, Calif., Walmart where he bought them. He even left one un-opened so the store manager could see for herself what he was talking about.
“And she opened it and sure enough another Starbucks card,” the father told KNBC-TV.
The Walmart manager told him the store was aware of the problem and that they had already pulled the faulty gift cards from their shelves – but she added the mistake was not their fault and she refused to give the father a refund.
“The fact they were aware that there was a problem but they were not willing to take responsibility for it was quite frustrating,” Mumper said. Complete article
Stolen Ambulance Found in McHenry County; Suspect arrested at Belvidere Ill. Walmart 01/09/2014
Knife wielder threatens Ariz. Walmart workers 01/07/2014
2 Accused Of Using Stolen Credit Card At Fayette Co. Pa. Walmart 01/10/2014
Police: 4 Bomb threats at local NC Walmarts part of nationwide trend 01/10/2014 This isn't a new trend at all; as previous crime reports have indicated there have been plenty of these bomb threats for years. Some of these threats include extortion requests that often involve putting money on prepaid cards like these ones; however these are ineffective methods for extortion requests and can't possibly succeed. None of the threats that I have seen have resulted in real bombs or success in extorting money. If they did put money on the cards then it would be incredibly easy for the police to trace them and catch the people making the threats and both the police and the callers should easily figure this out.
Video shows couple who used stolen credit cards to buy gift cards from Tx. Walmart 01/10/2014
Newberry SC Walmart Employee Crashes Customer's Car 01/10/2014
Newberry County, SC (WLTX) -- A Prosperity woman took her car in for an oil change, but ended up with a car she couldn't even drive.
"I need something to drive to get these kids to school," Misti Colson said.
Colson's youngest children have been stuck inside the house since Sunday afternoon.
And it isn't due to the weather.
"It was time to get my oil changed anyway, my oil light came on, so I took it on in to Walmart. 10,15 minutes later they're calling me to come back," she said. "The manager walked in and he's like, 'I really don't know how to tell you this,' he said 'But, one of our techs has just crashed your car through the bay door and ultimately into the guardrail behind the store."
As you can see Colson's 2007 Saturn Ion isn't drivable.
The store manger told police two employees were working on the car when it crashed through the door and hit the guard rail.
After the incident, Walmart staff gave her the number to their insurance company.
"They pretty much washed their hands of me, or so I feel, and CMI is pulling teeth to get in touch with them," Colson said.
"My car is still sitting in the yard and that's a charge every day that it sits there, no rental car, no work, and I still have bills to pay and kids to take care of," she said. Complete article
Newberry County, SC (WLTX) -- A Prosperity woman took her car in for an oil change, but ended up with a car she couldn't even drive.
"I need something to drive to get these kids to school," Misti Colson said.
Colson's youngest children have been stuck inside the house since Sunday afternoon.
And it isn't due to the weather.
"It was time to get my oil changed anyway, my oil light came on, so I took it on in to Walmart. 10,15 minutes later they're calling me to come back," she said. "The manager walked in and he's like, 'I really don't know how to tell you this,' he said 'But, one of our techs has just crashed your car through the bay door and ultimately into the guardrail behind the store."
As you can see Colson's 2007 Saturn Ion isn't drivable.
The store manger told police two employees were working on the car when it crashed through the door and hit the guard rail.
After the incident, Walmart staff gave her the number to their insurance company.
"They pretty much washed their hands of me, or so I feel, and CMI is pulling teeth to get in touch with them," Colson said.
"My car is still sitting in the yard and that's a charge every day that it sits there, no rental car, no work, and I still have bills to pay and kids to take care of," she said. Complete article
This isn't entirely unprecedented; in 1995 a customer had his truck stolen and stripped for parts and he was treated even worse until it made national news, Truck Stolen, Stripped, But Still Gets Owner Runaround. In both cases it wasn't until after tehy made headlines that Wal-Mart agreed to pay reperations, or partial reperations.
Saturday crash near Danville NY Walmart injures two 01/11/2014
Fla. Walmart Shoplifters Arrested 01/12/2014
Police say Raynham Mass. Walmart sold alcohol to minor 01/13/2014
Man sets fire at Mich. Walmart, steals 01/13/2014
Man arrested for stealing from Al. Wal-Mart 01/13/2014
Young couple wanted for stealing doll from an 8-year-old in Tuscaloosa Al. Wal-Mart in December 01/13/2014
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- The Tuscaloosa Police Department is looking for a young couple who entered the city's Wal-Mart in December then left after stealing a doll from the shopping cart of an 8-year-old girl and her grandmother.
Sgt. Brent Blankley, the department's public information officer, said the doll belonged to the girl and had for more than a year, it was not for sale.
The unidentified victims of the pair of thieves had stepped away from their cart to shop for clothes on the evening of December 14, and when they returned, the male suspect had taken the girl's doll from her shopping cart and walked away. Complete article
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- The Tuscaloosa Police Department is looking for a young couple who entered the city's Wal-Mart in December then left after stealing a doll from the shopping cart of an 8-year-old girl and her grandmother.
Sgt. Brent Blankley, the department's public information officer, said the doll belonged to the girl and had for more than a year, it was not for sale.
The unidentified victims of the pair of thieves had stepped away from their cart to shop for clothes on the evening of December 14, and when they returned, the male suspect had taken the girl's doll from her shopping cart and walked away. Complete article
Tuscaloosa Al. Crime Stoppers offers cash reward for man who stole lawn equipment from Wal-Mart 01/13/2014
Counterfeit Bill Found at North Bismark ND Walmart 01/13/2014
Man arrested after 'register rage' at Punta Gorda Fla. Walmart 01/13/2014
Four of 5 suspects in Bellevue Walmart robbery arrested 01/13/2014
Police release Walmart security photos of suspect in theft of 180 used car batteries from Mount Pleasant Mich.-area store 01/13/2014
Walmart, Target scam hits Hamilton Ohio residents 01/13/2014
2 workers struck at Des Moines Iowa Wal-Mart; man charged 01/14/2014
Man accused of taking photo of boy in Fla. Walmart bathroom takes plea deal 01/14/2014
Gregory Ferrentino of Toms River charged with shoplifting laptop from Walmart in Brick NJ 01/15/2014
Warrenton Missouri man gets 8 years for robbery at Walmart 01/15/2014
Pair steals $1,400 in merchandise from Murfreesboro Tenn. Walmart 01/15/2014
Customer captures bird on camera inside Tx. Walmart eating food for weeks
KATY, Texas -- There are plenty of birds hanging around outside the Walmart on Market Place Drive in Katy. Ranell Roy is only worried about one.
"When I hit the corner, my first reaction was really" said Roy.
A single grackle managed to get inside the store and Roy watched it for weeks.
He snapped pictures of it on the bread aisle. The next week, he decided to shoot video as the bird was pecking away at some packaged steak.
"It's been gaining some weight," he said. "Definitely not a vegan."
After watching the bird, he brought it to an employee's attention.
"There's an employee about ten feet away stocking the meat on the shelves," Roy recalled. "So I tap her like hey ma'am either Walmart has some really fresh product or there's a wild bird right behind you."
Roy was sure after two week of bird watching inside the store that it would be gone.
But on his third visit in three weeks, it was still there. Complete article
KATY, Texas -- There are plenty of birds hanging around outside the Walmart on Market Place Drive in Katy. Ranell Roy is only worried about one.
"When I hit the corner, my first reaction was really" said Roy.
A single grackle managed to get inside the store and Roy watched it for weeks.
He snapped pictures of it on the bread aisle. The next week, he decided to shoot video as the bird was pecking away at some packaged steak.
"It's been gaining some weight," he said. "Definitely not a vegan."
After watching the bird, he brought it to an employee's attention.
"There's an employee about ten feet away stocking the meat on the shelves," Roy recalled. "So I tap her like hey ma'am either Walmart has some really fresh product or there's a wild bird right behind you."
Roy was sure after two week of bird watching inside the store that it would be gone.
But on his third visit in three weeks, it was still there. Complete article
Van crashes into Westerly RI Wal-Mart, driver injured 01/15/2014
Mich. Walmart fire suspect reportedly kills self after Granger chase 01/15/2014
GRANGER -- A man who turned a gun on himself in a Granger neighborhood late Tuesday was suspected of setting a Niles Walmart on fire this past weekend, according to a report by WSBT-TV.
According to the station, Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey confirmed the dead man who was the subject of a large manhunt in the Granger area late Tuesday was the man suspected in the Walmart fire. Complete article
GRANGER -- A man who turned a gun on himself in a Granger neighborhood late Tuesday was suspected of setting a Niles Walmart on fire this past weekend, according to a report by WSBT-TV.
According to the station, Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey confirmed the dead man who was the subject of a large manhunt in the Granger area late Tuesday was the man suspected in the Walmart fire. Complete article
Saginaw County Mich. probationer accused of exposing himself to 6-year-old girl in Walmart toy aisle 01/15/2014
PD: Armed robber pepper sprays NC WalMart cashier 01/1/2014
Penn. Walmart workers didn't protect her from attack, customer claims in federal lawsuit 01/15/2014
A woman who claims store employees didn't intercede to protect her when she was accosted by other customers in a Harrisburg-area Walmart is suing the mega-retailer in federal court.
Dawn E. Dubois of Gettysburg claims in the U.S. Middle District Court suit filed this week that she was attacked and injured during an Oct. 14 incident at the Walmart on Grayson Road in Swatara Township.
According to the suit, Dubois, her husband and young son were shopping when they encountered two women who were screaming at a cashier at a check-out area.
Because their harangues to the cashier were profane, Dubois' husband politely asked the women to watch their language, the suit states. Dubois claims the women then turned on her family, "getting right in their faces and physically threatening them."
Her husband made several pleas for help to Walmart employees, to no avail, she claims. A crowd gathered to watch the confrontation, Dubois contends, and one of the women chest-bumped her and then kicked her in the stomach. Complete article
A woman who claims store employees didn't intercede to protect her when she was accosted by other customers in a Harrisburg-area Walmart is suing the mega-retailer in federal court.
Dawn E. Dubois of Gettysburg claims in the U.S. Middle District Court suit filed this week that she was attacked and injured during an Oct. 14 incident at the Walmart on Grayson Road in Swatara Township.
According to the suit, Dubois, her husband and young son were shopping when they encountered two women who were screaming at a cashier at a check-out area.
Because their harangues to the cashier were profane, Dubois' husband politely asked the women to watch their language, the suit states. Dubois claims the women then turned on her family, "getting right in their faces and physically threatening them."
Her husband made several pleas for help to Walmart employees, to no avail, she claims. A crowd gathered to watch the confrontation, Dubois contends, and one of the women chest-bumped her and then kicked her in the stomach. Complete article
Police name 1 of 3 suspects in Lindale Tx. Walmart armed robbery 01/15/2014
Augusta woman arrested after allegedly stealing from Home Depot, Walmart in Waterville Me. 01/15/2014
Midland Mich. police discover mobile meth lab after responding to retail fraud call at Walmart 01/15/2014
Man accused of exposing himself to Tenn. Walmart shoppers 01/15/2014
Man threatened to kill 2 Fla. Walmart workers, police say 01/15/2014
Suspect fires at Tx. Walmart employees who were chasing him after purse-snatching 01/15/2014
Suspect fires at Tx. Walmart employees who were chasing him after purse-snatching 01/15/2014
HOUSTON—There were frightening moments at a Neighborhood Walmart in Spring Branch Wednesday morning when a suspect snatched a woman’s purse and fired at employees who were trying to stop him.
According to Houston police, a woman in her late 20s or 30s was grocery shopping at the store in the 2700 block of Gessner around 9:15 a.m. when a man with gun rushed her and snatched her purse.
”There was a robbery and I said I’m not making enough money to put my life in jeopardy. So I watched my supervisor run out the door,” said Howard, who works at the store.
But while Howard stayed behind, other employees sprang into action.
The Walmart employees were giving chase when the suspect pulled out a gun and started shooting at them. Luckily, no one was hurt. Complete article
HOUSTON—There were frightening moments at a Neighborhood Walmart in Spring Branch Wednesday morning when a suspect snatched a woman’s purse and fired at employees who were trying to stop him.
According to Houston police, a woman in her late 20s or 30s was grocery shopping at the store in the 2700 block of Gessner around 9:15 a.m. when a man with gun rushed her and snatched her purse.
”There was a robbery and I said I’m not making enough money to put my life in jeopardy. So I watched my supervisor run out the door,” said Howard, who works at the store.
But while Howard stayed behind, other employees sprang into action.
The Walmart employees were giving chase when the suspect pulled out a gun and started shooting at them. Luckily, no one was hurt. Complete article
About 2,200 rounds of ammunition stolen from Walmart store in Centennial Colorado; suspect sought 01/15/2014
CENTENNIAL, Colo. - Arapahoe County sheriff's investigators are asking the public to help identify a man who stole thousands of rounds of ammunition from a Centennial Walmart store in October.
The sheriff's office released surveillance photos of the suspect, who was wearing a yellow baseball cap with a green bill, a gray long-sleeve T-shirt and blue jeans.
On Oct. 14, 2013, the man entered the Walmart store at 10900 E. Briarwood Ave., forced open a locked case containing ammunition, loaded the ammunition into a shopping cart, and rolled it out of the store, the sheriff's office said. The suspect then reentered the store and was seen leaving with a bag containing unknown items. Complete article
CENTENNIAL, Colo. - Arapahoe County sheriff's investigators are asking the public to help identify a man who stole thousands of rounds of ammunition from a Centennial Walmart store in October.
The sheriff's office released surveillance photos of the suspect, who was wearing a yellow baseball cap with a green bill, a gray long-sleeve T-shirt and blue jeans.
On Oct. 14, 2013, the man entered the Walmart store at 10900 E. Briarwood Ave., forced open a locked case containing ammunition, loaded the ammunition into a shopping cart, and rolled it out of the store, the sheriff's office said. The suspect then reentered the store and was seen leaving with a bag containing unknown items. Complete article
Albemarle NC police make arrest in Walmart purse snatching 01/15/2014
5 Charged In Theft Scheme At Indiana County Penn. Walmart 01/16/2014
Printer return rampage at Deep Creek Fla. Walmart 01/16/2014
CHARLOTTE COUNTY - A Punta Gorda man went on violent spree after being told he couldn't return his printer at a Charlotte County Walmart.
On Tuesday, 24-year-old Jose Morales went to the Walmart in Deep Creek off Kings Highway and demanded the store take back his printer.
Store clerks said they couldn't offer him a refund because he didn't have a receipt and the purchase was made over three months ago.
Deputies say Morales then became irate and started cursing and smashing the printer on the floor before throwing it at the two clerks who ducked behind the counter.
Morales stormed away and chest-bumped an assistant manager and karate-kicked an anti-theft secuirty device causing $500 in damage, according to reports. Complete article
CHARLOTTE COUNTY - A Punta Gorda man went on violent spree after being told he couldn't return his printer at a Charlotte County Walmart.
On Tuesday, 24-year-old Jose Morales went to the Walmart in Deep Creek off Kings Highway and demanded the store take back his printer.
Store clerks said they couldn't offer him a refund because he didn't have a receipt and the purchase was made over three months ago.
Deputies say Morales then became irate and started cursing and smashing the printer on the floor before throwing it at the two clerks who ducked behind the counter.
Morales stormed away and chest-bumped an assistant manager and karate-kicked an anti-theft secuirty device causing $500 in damage, according to reports. Complete article
Raleigh man passed threatening note to rob NC Walmart, police say 01/16/2014
SC man pleads guilty to taking picture up woman's skirt at Walmart 01/16/2014
Biscoe NC Walmart evacuated after bomb threat 01/16/2014
Suspicious bag found near gas pump at Rogers Ark. Walmart 01/16/2014
Man caught stealing from Tenn. Walmart repeatedly 01/1/2014
Butler County man exposed himself in Walmart, police say 01/16/2014
Man arrested at Ridgeland Mississippi Walmart after stabbing pharmacist 01/16/2014
Self-defense cited in Murrysville Pa. Wal-Mart fight 01/16/2014
Police Want To Identify Man Who Stole Tablets From Tenn. Walmart 01/17/2014
Suspected Walmart purse snatcher arrested in Shelton Wash. 01/17/2014
Man tries to steal 50-inch TV and a getaway car from Conn. Walmart 01/17/2014
Man attempting to shoplift at Iowa Wal-Mart strikes vehicle, employee while fleeing 01/17/2014
Woman hits pedestrian, cars outside Tempe Ariz. Walmart 01/18/2014
Indy Wal-Mart worker recognizes suspect in Bloomington Taco Bell robbery 01/19/2014
Pedestrian struck, killed near Fort Campbell Boulevard Tenn. Walmart 01/20/2014
Fire inside southeast side Houston Tx. Walmart sends customers, workers running 01/20/2014
On Your Side Alert: Fake Walmart Mystery Shopping offer 01/19/2014
Pearl Mississippi police: Walmart ambush attack not consistent with 'Knockout Game' 01/20/2014
Police: Shoplifting suspect leaves baby at Walmart in southwest Houston Tx. 01/20/2014
Bomb threat made to Round Rock Tx. Walmart 01/20/2014
Bomb threat forces evacuation of Bloomington Ind. Walmart 01/20/2014
Shoplifter steals phone at gunpoint at Aberdeen Md. Walmart 01/21/2014
Man Attempts to Steal From ND Walmart 01/21/2014
Police: Laurel Md. Man Points BB Gun At Wal-Mart Worker Who Denied Requests To Return Items 01/21/2014
LAUREL, Md. (WJZ)— A customer pointed a machine gun at a Wal-Mart employee after he was told he could not return items without a receipt.
The gun turned out to be a CO2 powered BB gun.
Shahzad M. Iqbal, 41, faces attempted robbery, attempted first-degree assault and possession of CDS charges.
It happened Monday just before 11 p.m. at the Wal-Mart located in the 3500-block of Russett Green East in Laurel.
A woman working at the customer service counter told police Iqbal approached the counter and attempted to return a used electronic tablet device, but his request was refused as he was unable to provide a receipt. He then took a pair of headphones off of his head and requested to return them as well. His request was again denied because he didn’t have a receipt.
That’s when things turned worse. Complete article
LAUREL, Md. (WJZ)— A customer pointed a machine gun at a Wal-Mart employee after he was told he could not return items without a receipt.
The gun turned out to be a CO2 powered BB gun.
Shahzad M. Iqbal, 41, faces attempted robbery, attempted first-degree assault and possession of CDS charges.
It happened Monday just before 11 p.m. at the Wal-Mart located in the 3500-block of Russett Green East in Laurel.
A woman working at the customer service counter told police Iqbal approached the counter and attempted to return a used electronic tablet device, but his request was refused as he was unable to provide a receipt. He then took a pair of headphones off of his head and requested to return them as well. His request was again denied because he didn’t have a receipt.
That’s when things turned worse. Complete article
Fall River Mass. Police search for Wal-Mart shoplifter 01/21/2014
Salem Or. man sentenced to life in prison for Walmart slaying 01/21/2014
Police: Woman tries to leave Tenn. Walmart with $430 in merchandise 01/21/2014
Bayonne NJ Walmart worker charged in shoplifting scheme, police say 01/22/2014
Police: Austin Tx. man threw Walmart employee to the ground and punched a deputy in the face 01/22/2014
An Austin man is in the Williamson County Jail after police say he threw a 57-year-old Walmart employee to the ground and punched a deputy in the face.
Justin Robert Dawes, 32, has been charged with public intoxication, possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, assault with bodily injury and assault of a public servant. His bail was set at $33,000.
On Jan. 14, Dawes grabbed a female employee at the Round Rock Walmart at 2701 South Interstate 35, an affidavit said. Dawes swung the employee in a circle, threw her into an aisle and then onto the ground, the affidavit said. The employee was taken to the emergency room with a swollen left eye, a bruised hand, a swollen wrist and a knot on her head, the affidavit said. Complete article
An Austin man is in the Williamson County Jail after police say he threw a 57-year-old Walmart employee to the ground and punched a deputy in the face.
Justin Robert Dawes, 32, has been charged with public intoxication, possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, assault with bodily injury and assault of a public servant. His bail was set at $33,000.
On Jan. 14, Dawes grabbed a female employee at the Round Rock Walmart at 2701 South Interstate 35, an affidavit said. Dawes swung the employee in a circle, threw her into an aisle and then onto the ground, the affidavit said. The employee was taken to the emergency room with a swollen left eye, a bruised hand, a swollen wrist and a knot on her head, the affidavit said. Complete article
Woman charged with shoplifting at NH Walmart 01/22/2014
Bicycle stolen from Columbia Md. Walmart 01/2/2014
Hueytown Al. Walmart evacuated after man hand delivers bomb threat 01/23/2014
Police: Man ‘usually wearing Steelers jacket’ robs several Pa. Walmarts (Surveillance Photos) 01/23/2014
GCPD: Suspects tried to use stolen credit card at SC Walmart 01/23/2014
2 wanted for stealing cell phones from Smyrna Tenn. Walmart 01/23/2014
Woman arrested after Ill. Walmart retail theft 01/23/2014
Suspects in bank robbery at Bessemer and Hueytown Al. Walmart bomb threat captured 01/24/2014
Chesapeake Va. police searching for man who tried to steal meat from Walmart 01/24/2014
Man shot in parking lot of Walmart on Skibo Road, Fayetteville NC police say 01/22/2014
Fayetteville NC police identify man shot at Walmart on Skibo Road 01/24/2014
Police have identified the man shot in the parking lot of Walmart on Skibo Road earlier this week.
Raeshean Calhoun, 25, was shot in the hip about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Fayetteville police said.
Calhoun was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for treatment. He was not listed as a patient in the hospital Friday night.
Police have not named any suspects and are continuing to investigate, said Lt. Todd Joyce, spokesman with the Fayetteville Police Department.
"At this point in the investigation, detectives have information that this might be in relation to the exchange of narcotics," he said.
Walmart on Skibo Road has had problems with crime before. In March 2011, it ceased operating 24 hours a day following a violent robbery and a shooting.
At the time, Fayetteville police reported that Walmart had four times the calls for service as the city's other two Walmarts. Complete article
Police have identified the man shot in the parking lot of Walmart on Skibo Road earlier this week.
Raeshean Calhoun, 25, was shot in the hip about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Fayetteville police said.
Calhoun was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for treatment. He was not listed as a patient in the hospital Friday night.
Police have not named any suspects and are continuing to investigate, said Lt. Todd Joyce, spokesman with the Fayetteville Police Department.
"At this point in the investigation, detectives have information that this might be in relation to the exchange of narcotics," he said.
Walmart on Skibo Road has had problems with crime before. In March 2011, it ceased operating 24 hours a day following a violent robbery and a shooting.
At the time, Fayetteville police reported that Walmart had four times the calls for service as the city's other two Walmarts. Complete article
Maine man accused of shoplifting from NH Walmart 01/24/2014
Neptune NJ Walmart evacuated after fire report 01/25/2014
Man tried to use counterfeit hundreds at Walmart, Calhoun, Ga., police say 01/27/2014
Police seek 2 women who ran Missouri Walmart gift card scam 01/27/2014
Body found near Wagoner Ok. Walmart 01/27/2014
Armed robbery at Walmart in Bethlehem Township Pa.; suspect possibly wore fake dreadlocks 01/27/2014
Two women beat up Walmart guard to steal DVDs, Charleston SC police say 01/27/2014
Employee admits embezzling from Va. Walmart 01/25/2014
China Keeps Pressure On Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart Pushes Back 01/24/2014
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT) on Friday pushed back against criticism from China state media arm China Central Television (CCTV) that it violates permit procedures to boost profits.
CCTV on Thursday accused Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer by sales, of circumventing quality, trade and food-manufacturing permit procedures and working with unlicensed vendors since 2006. The broadcaster claimed that more than 200 company documents show that managers signed off on more than 600 unlicensed products.
In a statement Friday, Wal-Mart said it accelerates approvals only for existing suppliers and on a limited basis. As an example, Wal-Mart mentioned cases where only the size of the container changed. ....
In 2011, Chinese officials accused Wal-Mart of mislabeling regular pork as more-expensive organic pork. The government temporarily closed 13 Wal-Mart stores, arrested two employees, detained 35 other employees, and fined the company 3.65 million yuan, or $602,730. Since then, Wal-Mart has changed its food-safety system across China and pledged to invest 100 million yuan ($16.5 milllion) over three years to strengthen food-safety management in its China stores. Complete article
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT) on Friday pushed back against criticism from China state media arm China Central Television (CCTV) that it violates permit procedures to boost profits.
CCTV on Thursday accused Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer by sales, of circumventing quality, trade and food-manufacturing permit procedures and working with unlicensed vendors since 2006. The broadcaster claimed that more than 200 company documents show that managers signed off on more than 600 unlicensed products.
In a statement Friday, Wal-Mart said it accelerates approvals only for existing suppliers and on a limited basis. As an example, Wal-Mart mentioned cases where only the size of the container changed. ....
In 2011, Chinese officials accused Wal-Mart of mislabeling regular pork as more-expensive organic pork. The government temporarily closed 13 Wal-Mart stores, arrested two employees, detained 35 other employees, and fined the company 3.65 million yuan, or $602,730. Since then, Wal-Mart has changed its food-safety system across China and pledged to invest 100 million yuan ($16.5 milllion) over three years to strengthen food-safety management in its China stores. Complete article
Police investigate theft from Rouzerville Paq. Walmart 01/27/2014
Stolen trailer found at Missouri Walmart 01/27/2014
Bomb threat shuts down Skowhegan Me. Walmart 01/28/2014
Thieves Steal Phones From Blair Nebraska Wal-Mart 01/28/2014
Post Falls Police Need Your Help Identifying Idaho Walmart Burglary Suspects 01/28/2014
Gunmen storm Walmart in northwest Harris County, Tx., rob safe and registers 01/28/2014
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — An armed suspect stormed a Spring-area Walmart and terrorized employees late Tuesday.
It happened just before midnight at the store on FM 2920 at Kuykendahl Road.
The robber came in dressed like a Walmart worker with some extra accessories.
"According to witnesses, he was wearing a wig, sunglasses in the middle of the night and he had some type of lip balm or gloss," said Sgt. M. Alvarado with the Harris County Robbery division.
Surveillance video shows him walking around the store.
Investigators believe the robber may be a current or former employee because he had inside information that only workers would know. He used an intercom to announce a special code, signaling a worker to go to the front of the store and collect the cash. Complete article
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — An armed suspect stormed a Spring-area Walmart and terrorized employees late Tuesday.
It happened just before midnight at the store on FM 2920 at Kuykendahl Road.
The robber came in dressed like a Walmart worker with some extra accessories.
"According to witnesses, he was wearing a wig, sunglasses in the middle of the night and he had some type of lip balm or gloss," said Sgt. M. Alvarado with the Harris County Robbery division.
Surveillance video shows him walking around the store.
Investigators believe the robber may be a current or former employee because he had inside information that only workers would know. He used an intercom to announce a special code, signaling a worker to go to the front of the store and collect the cash. Complete article
Pair arrested for shoplifting at NH Walmart 01/29/2014
Two found shot to death in Walmart parking lot on Old Fort Parkway Tenn. 01/30/2014
MURFREESBORO — Police have identified the two men found shot to death in a Murfreesboro Walmart parking lot late Wednesday. The victims are Latre R. Lillard and Andre D. Chesterfield, both 19, Murfreesboro Police spokesman Sgt. Clyde Adkison said. The two men were cousins. Chesterfield is a former running back and safety for Oakland High School’s football team. He graduated in 2012, his former coach Thomas McDaniel said. Complete article
MURFREESBORO — Police have identified the two men found shot to death in a Murfreesboro Walmart parking lot late Wednesday. The victims are Latre R. Lillard and Andre D. Chesterfield, both 19, Murfreesboro Police spokesman Sgt. Clyde Adkison said. The two men were cousins. Chesterfield is a former running back and safety for Oakland High School’s football team. He graduated in 2012, his former coach Thomas McDaniel said. Complete article
Victims ID'd after two bodies found in Tenn. Walmart parking lot 01/30/2014
Police release 911 calls of Tempe Ariz. Walmart parking lot crashes 01/30/2014
Bemidji Minn. man accused of soliciting prostitution at Walmart 01/30/2014
Man wanted for stealing laptops from Va. Walmart 01/30/2014
Walmart robbery suspects arrested in Clay County Fla. 01/31/2014
CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- The Clay County Sheriff's Office said a tip from the public led to the arrest of two suspects accused of robbing two Wal-Mart stores.
On January 14 Dennis Holcomb, 31, and 40-year-old Michael Robinson allegedly stole three remote control helicopters from a Wal-Mart in Fleming Island.
After attempting to leave the store through the garden department, the suspects were approached by a loss prevention officer in reference to the stolen merchandise.
Once the loss prevention officer identified himself, he was allegedly pushed by Robinson who also pulled out a pistol, according to a release from the CCSO. The loss prevention officer retreated and informed everyone that the suspect had a gun. Complete article
CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- The Clay County Sheriff's Office said a tip from the public led to the arrest of two suspects accused of robbing two Wal-Mart stores.
On January 14 Dennis Holcomb, 31, and 40-year-old Michael Robinson allegedly stole three remote control helicopters from a Wal-Mart in Fleming Island.
After attempting to leave the store through the garden department, the suspects were approached by a loss prevention officer in reference to the stolen merchandise.
Once the loss prevention officer identified himself, he was allegedly pushed by Robinson who also pulled out a pistol, according to a release from the CCSO. The loss prevention officer retreated and informed everyone that the suspect had a gun. Complete article
Ex-Walmart employee accused of taking money from cash register in Ind. 01/30/2014
Wal-Mart Not Going After SC Man Who Took Bread, Milk 01/29/2014
Oneida NY City Police seek help identifying three involved in Walmart theft 01/30/2014
Gainesville Fla. man huffs air in Wal-Mart, police say 01/31/2014
Norwalk Ohio robber arrested in Walmart parking lot 01/30/2014 "Two bystanders in the parking lot intervened to help apprehend the subject. An unidentified female tripped the subject, causing him to lose a shoe briefly and a male subject in the parking lot grabbed (O'Neil) and held onto him until police arrived.
Watchung NJ Police -- 3 men charged with shoplifting baby formula from Walmart 01/31/2014
Florence Ala. man linked to Walmart thefts in 5 states 01/31/2014 Police said they believe Timbes took more than $50,000 over the course of the last three years.
Man admits multiple Nev. Walmart burglaries 01/31/2014
Man accused of stealing car batteries from NC Walmart 01/30/2014
Wanted sex offender caught shoplifting at Tx. Walmart 01/30/2014
Trio Allegedly Stole $24K Worth Of Items, Maybe More, From NY Walmart 01/3/2014
Police: Man stole 1 TV from Port St. Lucie Fla. Wal-Mart, came back for 2 more 01/31/2014
Missouri man found guilty of plotting attacks at theater, Walmart 01/31/2014
Competency hearing granted for suspect in Tx. Walmart hatchet attack 01/31/2014
Man charged with pulling knife at Fla. Wal-Mart 01/31/2014
Witnesses Describe Scene Inside Walmart Shooting 02/02/2014 "Myron Terrel is the suspect," Woodruff said. "He's 29 years old was an employee of Walmart."
Soros, Wal-Mart scion pony up for Clinton 01/31/2014
Wal-Mart’s McMillon Ascends With Troubles at Home, Abroad 01/31/2014
This Walmart worker went from temp to store manager. Here’s why that’s so tough. 01/31/2014
Walmart: Victim Of A Partisan National Labor Relations Board 01/31/2014
CNN exclusive: Obama says Walmart, Apple, others to help jobless 01/30/2014
Wal-Mart: Food stamp cuts to hit profits 01/31/2014
Walmart expects lower earnings for Q4 01/31/2014
Forbes: Walmart's Manufacturing Dream is Just a Dream 01/31/2014
Walmart funds active-shooter training for fire department 01/29/2014
BENTONVILLE, Ark. —Walmart is giving the Bentonville Fire Department a grant worth $97,000 to fund active-shooter training.
“This will give us an opportunity to have a change in real action,” said Bentonville Police Chief Jon Simpson.
The grant isn’t the first Walmart has given to a fire department.
“If something does happen, as terrible as that will be, that our emergency responders will be doing their best to help me, my family, my neighbors and the community,” said Ken Senser, of Walmart. Complete article
BENTONVILLE, Ark. —Walmart is giving the Bentonville Fire Department a grant worth $97,000 to fund active-shooter training.
“This will give us an opportunity to have a change in real action,” said Bentonville Police Chief Jon Simpson.
The grant isn’t the first Walmart has given to a fire department.
“If something does happen, as terrible as that will be, that our emergency responders will be doing their best to help me, my family, my neighbors and the community,” said Ken Senser, of Walmart. Complete article
Forbes: Corporate Culture And The ’Future Former Employee’ Test: Are You Starbucks Or Target, Walmart Or Costco? 01/29/2014
Ind. Walmart workers protest freezing work conditions 01/29/2014
Obama hails higher-paying Costco as an anti-Walmart in minimum wage debate: Effective? 01/29/2014
Walmart’s War on Blacks 01/20/2014
Walmart crashes in Mexico 01/28/2014
The U.S. giant Walmart closed the year 2013 in Mexico with the worst turnover in the last fifteen years. The company billed U.S. $27,317,000 (20.196 million Euro) in the Mexican country, 1.3% less than in 2012.
The U.S. multinational registered declines in sales in Mexico over nine months in 2013. September was the worst month, as they had a 4.7% decrease in turnover.
Analysts attribute this decline to the scandal that erupted in 2012 when Mexico Walmart was accused of paying bribes to officials in order to accelerate the opening of their stores. Complete article
The U.S. giant Walmart closed the year 2013 in Mexico with the worst turnover in the last fifteen years. The company billed U.S. $27,317,000 (20.196 million Euro) in the Mexican country, 1.3% less than in 2012.
The U.S. multinational registered declines in sales in Mexico over nine months in 2013. September was the worst month, as they had a 4.7% decrease in turnover.
Analysts attribute this decline to the scandal that erupted in 2012 when Mexico Walmart was accused of paying bribes to officials in order to accelerate the opening of their stores. Complete article
Leaked documents show how Walmart combats labor protests 01/15/2014 second document on Our Wal-Mart
Read the Leaked Documents That Walmart Doesn't Want You to See 01/20/2014
On Black Friday 2012, Walmart employees around the country came together to protest low wages and poor working conditions, sparking a bitter war of words between Walmart management and OUR Walmart, a nonprofit organization that advocates for worker's interests. Now the conflict has again been thrust into the spotlight.
Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the independent government entity tasked with enforcing labor law, issued a complaint against Walmart alleging that during these and subsequent protests, Walmart management violated labor law by punishing and threatening to punish employees engaged in protected legal activity. As an NLRB decision is poised to shame and punish Walmart over the alleged abuses, a slew of recently-leaked internal documents showcase Walmart's anti-union tactics.
The NLRB's complaint details potential violations in 13 states, where Walmart illegally fired, disciplined or threatened over 60 of its employees. If the widespread abuses were not evidence enough of a concerted and illegal anti-union strategy at Walmart, the complaint also cites public statements by high corporate officials as among the threats meant to intimidate workers from expressing their rights.
In an interview with CBS ahead of the 2012 protests, Walmart spokesman David Tovar stated, "If associates are scheduled to work on Black Friday, we expect them to show up and to do their job, and if they don't, depending on the circumstances, there could be consequences." Federal law protects workers who are striking over unfair labor practices from just those kinds of "consequences."
If you need more evidence that Walmart's anti-labor tactics go against the letter and the spirit of the law, just look at their leaked internal documents, where they outline tactics that allow managers to both monitor and intimidate pro-union sentiment. For example, although the law prevents Walmart from directly inquiring as to an employee's union activity, one internal memo encourages a managerial tactic known as Coaching By Walking Around (CBWA). Complete article
On Black Friday 2012, Walmart employees around the country came together to protest low wages and poor working conditions, sparking a bitter war of words between Walmart management and OUR Walmart, a nonprofit organization that advocates for worker's interests. Now the conflict has again been thrust into the spotlight.
Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the independent government entity tasked with enforcing labor law, issued a complaint against Walmart alleging that during these and subsequent protests, Walmart management violated labor law by punishing and threatening to punish employees engaged in protected legal activity. As an NLRB decision is poised to shame and punish Walmart over the alleged abuses, a slew of recently-leaked internal documents showcase Walmart's anti-union tactics.
The NLRB's complaint details potential violations in 13 states, where Walmart illegally fired, disciplined or threatened over 60 of its employees. If the widespread abuses were not evidence enough of a concerted and illegal anti-union strategy at Walmart, the complaint also cites public statements by high corporate officials as among the threats meant to intimidate workers from expressing their rights.
In an interview with CBS ahead of the 2012 protests, Walmart spokesman David Tovar stated, "If associates are scheduled to work on Black Friday, we expect them to show up and to do their job, and if they don't, depending on the circumstances, there could be consequences." Federal law protects workers who are striking over unfair labor practices from just those kinds of "consequences."
If you need more evidence that Walmart's anti-labor tactics go against the letter and the spirit of the law, just look at their leaked internal documents, where they outline tactics that allow managers to both monitor and intimidate pro-union sentiment. For example, although the law prevents Walmart from directly inquiring as to an employee's union activity, one internal memo encourages a managerial tactic known as Coaching By Walking Around (CBWA). Complete article
Walmart has 'negative effect on communities' 01/27/2014
GREEN BAY — It’s a fact, according to the business expert Steven Kirn, that in the big box retail industry, “Walmart is often referred to as the Death Star.” He says it’s because of “the feeling” that Walmart will destroy local businesses.
According to numerous reputable studies, it is more than a “feeling.” Recent studies from New York, Chicago and California show that “Walmart’s entry into a market has a strongly negative effect on communities.” In 2008, one neighborhood in Chicago, lost 82 of 300 businesses within 18 months.
This scenario has played out across the U.S.
Walmart spends a lot of money advertising low prices, but a reality check from Consumer Reports in 2010, which included more than 30,000 readers, placed Walmart 10th out of 11 big box stores. Complete article
GREEN BAY — It’s a fact, according to the business expert Steven Kirn, that in the big box retail industry, “Walmart is often referred to as the Death Star.” He says it’s because of “the feeling” that Walmart will destroy local businesses.
According to numerous reputable studies, it is more than a “feeling.” Recent studies from New York, Chicago and California show that “Walmart’s entry into a market has a strongly negative effect on communities.” In 2008, one neighborhood in Chicago, lost 82 of 300 businesses within 18 months.
This scenario has played out across the U.S.
Walmart spends a lot of money advertising low prices, but a reality check from Consumer Reports in 2010, which included more than 30,000 readers, placed Walmart 10th out of 11 big box stores. Complete article
Factory for Wal-Mart, JCPenney Goods Shortchanged Guatemalan Workers, Report Says 01/23/2014
Guatemalan factory workers making blazers and suits for dozens of well-known American retailers, including Wal-Mart, JCPenney, and Kohl's, were allegedly deprived of more than $6 million in wages and benefits when their employer abruptly shut down the business last year, according to a report published today.
"These workers got robbed, completely," said Charles Kernaghan, director of the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, which produced the 50-page report on the Alianza factory. "Violations take place in other factories – but in this case the workers were able to document what they were legally owed. That's unprecedented."
Investigators with a Guatemalan workers' rights organization obtained a trove of rarely-seen internal factory records, including paystubs, rate sheets, and design specifications from a range of well-known American clothing brands. Twelve years of records for nearly 1,500 employees were used to document what Kernaghan says was an attempt to prevent workers from collecting overtime pay, health care benefits and pensions.
While more than 1,200 workers sewed garments in the factory in a typical year, the company only submitted applications for 65 workers per year to receive benefits, the report said. The 548 workers who were employed when Alianza closed last year had already worked an average of 4.5 years without benefits, and were owed an average of $2,069, investigators found. Complete article
Corruption and Greed: Alianza Fashion Sweatshop in Guatemala
Guatemalan factory workers making blazers and suits for dozens of well-known American retailers, including Wal-Mart, JCPenney, and Kohl's, were allegedly deprived of more than $6 million in wages and benefits when their employer abruptly shut down the business last year, according to a report published today.
"These workers got robbed, completely," said Charles Kernaghan, director of the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, which produced the 50-page report on the Alianza factory. "Violations take place in other factories – but in this case the workers were able to document what they were legally owed. That's unprecedented."
Investigators with a Guatemalan workers' rights organization obtained a trove of rarely-seen internal factory records, including paystubs, rate sheets, and design specifications from a range of well-known American clothing brands. Twelve years of records for nearly 1,500 employees were used to document what Kernaghan says was an attempt to prevent workers from collecting overtime pay, health care benefits and pensions.
While more than 1,200 workers sewed garments in the factory in a typical year, the company only submitted applications for 65 workers per year to receive benefits, the report said. The 548 workers who were employed when Alianza closed last year had already worked an average of 4.5 years without benefits, and were owed an average of $2,069, investigators found. Complete article
Corruption and Greed: Alianza Fashion Sweatshop in Guatemala
Wal-Mart Stores to close chain's only Más Club in Houston Tx. 01/27/2014
Wal-Mart Cuts 2,500 Jobs at Sam’s Club to Streamline Management 01/25/2014 Wal-Mart shares fell 0.7 percent to $74.42 at the close in New York yesterday. The stock has gained 6.6 percent in the past 12 months compared with a 20 percent advance for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
Wal-Mart Rebuts Critical Report on Inspection Practices in China 01/24/2014
This is how Wal-Mart is bringing jobs back to the U.S. 01/24/2014
In pursuit of hurting public schools, Walton family funds far-right school operator 01/23/2014
Chinese state TV criticizes Wal-Mart's quality control 01/24/2014
HONG KONG (Reuters) - A state-owned Chinese TV station which has run a string of stories criticizing foreign firms has accused U.S. retailer Wal-Mart (WMT) of circumventing its quality control process and fast-tracking some products with higher profit margins.
The report by China Central Television (CCTV) was based on an interview with an anonymous former Wal-Mart employee and cited more than 200 documents dating from 2006 that referenced a "special approval process" and mentioned alcohol suppliers that did not have production permits. Complete article
HONG KONG (Reuters) - A state-owned Chinese TV station which has run a string of stories criticizing foreign firms has accused U.S. retailer Wal-Mart (WMT) of circumventing its quality control process and fast-tracking some products with higher profit margins.
The report by China Central Television (CCTV) was based on an interview with an anonymous former Wal-Mart employee and cited more than 200 documents dating from 2006 that referenced a "special approval process" and mentioned alcohol suppliers that did not have production permits. Complete article
Wal-Mart to inspect Bangladesh factories, release results 01/2/2014
Wal-Mart to Launch $10M Innovation Fund for U.S. Manufacturing 01/23/2014
Davos Stalked by Tech Disruption as Intel to Wal-Mart Tested 01/23/2014
Target Joins Home Depot, Walmart, Others In Cutting Health Care For Part-Timers, Citing Obamacare 01/22/2014
Neighboring businesses need not fear Wisc. Walmart, business expert says 01/21/2014 Have I heard that one before?
Man Who Met Khaki-Purchasing Jim Harbaugh Describes Walmart Encounter 01/16/2014
Coalition of Fla. Immokalee Workers announces Walmart has joined Fair Food Program 01/16/2014
Leaked PowerPoint Reveals Walmart's Anti-Union Strategy 01/15/2014
Walmart is pushing back against labor groups by providing managers with talking points to discourage workers from joining up, internal documents reveal.
Internet activist group Anonymous leaked a set of Walmart PowerPoints instructing managers to remind workers that union-backed groups like OURWalmart aren’t trying to help them -- they’re just looking to take their money.
From the PowerPoint posted on OccupyWallSt.org: Complete article This document indicates that they consider it a warning sign if anyone asks for a witness to be present among other things.
Walmart is pushing back against labor groups by providing managers with talking points to discourage workers from joining up, internal documents reveal.
Internet activist group Anonymous leaked a set of Walmart PowerPoints instructing managers to remind workers that union-backed groups like OURWalmart aren’t trying to help them -- they’re just looking to take their money.
From the PowerPoint posted on OccupyWallSt.org: Complete article This document indicates that they consider it a warning sign if anyone asks for a witness to be present among other things.
Feds charge Wal-Mart with labor violations 01/15/2014
Ca. Walmart tax-sharing deal might be revived 01/12/2014 Attorney Dave Ferguson said Thursday his clients want to remove a 10-mile “noncompete” clause that was part of the original deal and make other changes.
Walmart estimates Larsen Green Wisc. cleanup could cost $1.8 million 01/11/2014
A new Oregon WalMart is unwise, unsafe 01/10/2014
Walmart reopened on Rosedale Highway Ca. after server error 01/09/2014
Alaska Goes On Charm Offensive Against Wal-Mart Over Salmon Dispute 01/09/2014
Wal-Mart hired Porter Gordon on NDAA safety provisions — Vaca returns to lobbying on the Hill — MWW hires Romano — PCPC promotes Powers 01/07/2014
WAL-MART HIRED PORTER GORDON ON NDAA SAFETY PROVISIONS: Retail giant Wal-Mart hired Porter Gordon Silver Communications to work on successfully stripping a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act in December, according to public disclosures released Tuesday. Several members of Congress had championed a worker-safety provision in the annual defense spending bill that would have given procurement priority to companies that signed onto a legally binding Bangladesh workers' safety agreement called the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety. Retailers like Wal-Mart and Gap have declined to sign on, and Wal-Mart unveiled its own nonbinding safety plan in May of last year for workers at its Bangladeshi factories. In practice, the provision would have cost Wal-Mart and other retailers not part of the accord a good deal of money — as their products would have suffered at retail stores on military bases as a result of procurement priority given to Accord members. The provision was included in the House version of the NDAA, but was absent from the final bill signed by President Barack Obama in late December. Bob Cochran, former chief of staff to Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon, is listed on the account. The Huffington Post has a longer piece on the issue here: Complete article
WAL-MART HIRED PORTER GORDON ON NDAA SAFETY PROVISIONS: Retail giant Wal-Mart hired Porter Gordon Silver Communications to work on successfully stripping a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act in December, according to public disclosures released Tuesday. Several members of Congress had championed a worker-safety provision in the annual defense spending bill that would have given procurement priority to companies that signed onto a legally binding Bangladesh workers' safety agreement called the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety. Retailers like Wal-Mart and Gap have declined to sign on, and Wal-Mart unveiled its own nonbinding safety plan in May of last year for workers at its Bangladeshi factories. In practice, the provision would have cost Wal-Mart and other retailers not part of the accord a good deal of money — as their products would have suffered at retail stores on military bases as a result of procurement priority given to Accord members. The provision was included in the House version of the NDAA, but was absent from the final bill signed by President Barack Obama in late December. Bob Cochran, former chief of staff to Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon, is listed on the account. The Huffington Post has a longer piece on the issue here: Complete article
The Hidden Ecosystem Of The Walmart Parking Lot 01/03/2014
Walmart asked by Nalcor to turn down lights 01/06/2014
Legal challenges to Ca. Walmart troublesome? 01/01/2014 We are not sure just exactly who or what California Healthy Community Network is, but the last we looked they are not in Porterville and don’t have any Porterville followers. All I had to do was Google it to find out who the California Healthy Community Network is.
Wal-Mart Recalls Tainted Donkey Meat in China 01/02/2014
Walmart recalls card table and chair sets after reports of finger amputations 01/04/2014
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