[Winona Online Democracy] As a former member of the Teamsters and retail store owner I have found little difference unions make other than providing clarity of work rules which in today's work environment most non-union businesses have been forced to also put in writing. The strongest leverage people have is either refusing to apply for work at such a company or as someone else said "just don't shop there". These two things are the only things which will effectively force change.
Union membership has done little to cause people to not purchase shirts or shoes made in China verses those made in the USA. Unions have not stopped the demise of textile workers or those workers in the shoe industry. The consumer has the power but is not willing to vote with their dollars. I find it very interesting that the numbers of people concerned with Wal-Mart's business practices are dwarfed by those who will shop there ignoring everything but price and choice. Should then the rights of what will be the choice of the majority of area shoppers be curtailed by a few who become more vocal by potentially denying the majority the option. Paul Double Sent: Friday, July 11, 2003 11:40 PM I agree, Mr. Double. That is the bottom line: are there really locally owned businesses which would be forced out by Wal-Mart. I am tending to agree with Bob Sebo, there is the larger issue of improvement of "quality of life" of all Winona business owners and workers. To that end, I wonder if you would support an effort to encourage Wal-Mart to allow its workers to unionize if they come to Winona? After all, isn't the ultimate purpose of business profits the improvement of quality of life of all? Richard N. Cocker, Winona "Paul Double" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Can anyone name ten "retail stores" in Winona "owned by local people" and >are not national or regional franchises who are threatened by Wal-Mart >competition because they sell the same products? > >Paul Double > > > > > >_______________________________________________ >This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy >All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. >No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. >To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit >http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona >Any problems or suggestions can be directed to >mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at > http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org > __________________________________________________________________ McAfee VirusScan Online from the Netscape Network. Comprehensive protection for your entire computer. Get your free trial today! http://channels.netscape.com/ns/computing/mcafee/index.jsp?promo=393397 Get AOL Instant Messenger 5.1 free of charge. Download Now! http://aim.aol.com/aimnew/Aim/register.adp?promo=380455 _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
