Wal-Mart employees in Thompson Canada went to the ballot box again last night to decide whether to become the first unionized Wal-Mart in North America. About 140 workers were eligible yesterday to cast their votes for or against joining the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 832.
Last August, the local's first attempt at certification failed -- with workers voting 61-54 against unionization. It was a move Wal-Mart officials said showed the strong relationship between management and employees.
UFCW president Robert Zeigler said at the time he was surprised and disappointed by the workers' change of heart since many had initially indicated a desire to join the union.
Last night's ballot closed at 7 p.m., but officials said results of the voting wouldn't be known for two to six weeks.
UFCW locals across the country have been trying, unsuccessfully so far, to become the first in North America to unionize a Wal-Mart store.
Employees in Jonquiere, Que., voted 74-65 last April to reject representation by the UFCW's Local 503.
In addition, the Saskatchewan Labour Board is set to rule on two other applications the UFCW Local 1400 has made to certify Wal-Marts in North Battleford and Weyburn.
Posted by UFCW 227 at June 5, 2004 05:34 PM