According to a new study by the Employment Policy Foundation, there are an increasing number of non-union positions available at supermarkets and other retail employers, a decreasing number of union jobs, and the disparity between union and non-union payscales is vanishing.
The foundation's study results come as Wal-Mart is under increased pressure by the labor unions and women’s groups to allow its workers to be unionized. Wal-Mart is generally perceived as having an advantage in the marketplace because none of its workers are unionized in the US, and therefore it does not have to deal with union negotiations and work rules.
The study reports that 4.5 percent of retail employees are unionized, as compared to 9.1 percent of all US employees. During 2001, there was a 7 percent increase in non-union retail jobs, while there was a 15 percent decrease in unionized positions.
The foundation's study results come as Wal-Mart is under increased pressure by the labor unions and women’s groups to allow its workers to be unionized. Wal-Mart is generally perceived as having an advantage in the marketplace because none of its workers are unionized in the US, and therefore it does not have to deal with union negotiations and work rules.
The study reports that 4.5 percent of retail employees are unionized, as compared to 9.1 percent of all US employees. During 2001, there was a 7 percent increase in non-union retail jobs, while there was a 15 percent decrease in unionized positions.
- KC's View:
- One wonders if the results of this study have been examined carefully by both parties in the Oregon labor dispute referenced in our next story…
