UFCW Fails To Organize Home Depot
By George Anderson
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) was successful in getting enough signatures to get a vote on whether it would represent associates at a Detroit-area Home
Depot.
The union, however, didn’t fare nearly so well in the actual vote as more than 70 percent voted against organizing.
Alicia Franklin, a cashier at the store who served on the organizing committee told the Detroit Free Press, “I expected it to be closer. I’m disappointed, but the majority
rules, and the majority said no.”
The DIY chain issued a release on the vote.
“We are pleased with the outcome of today’s election, which not only represents a vote of confidence from our associates, but also confirms The Home Depot’s reputation as an
employer of choice. Our job package consistently ranks in the top tier of retail companies. The Home Depot provides its full-time and part-time associates with outstanding career
opportunities, along with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits which include healthcare, stock purchase, tuition reimbursement, savings and investment plans and a success
sharing bonus program.”
Moderator’s Comment: What are your thoughts on the UFCW’s failed attempt to organize a Home Depot store in Michigan? Have unions lost their relevancy
in today’s market?
The Free Press piece did point out that the UFCW will be able to take another run at Home Depot in a year so the chain is not out of the woods yet. William
Adams, president of Adams, Nash, Haskell & Sheridan, a labor relations consulting company based told the paper that “unions are winning about 72 percent of elections a year
after the first vote.” –
George Anderson – Moderator