Wal-Mart Inc. Battles Unions in China
Wal-Mart Inc. has been taking a beating these past few months.
It sold out in South Korea, admitting it couldn’t compete.
It sold out in Germany, admitting it couldn’t compete there either.
In Chicago, the city voted that any large retailer – sales of $1 billion or more – must pay their staff a minimum of $13/hr with $3 going towards health benefits.
Now, China has organized a state-controlled union to battle the giant as well.
But are the Chinese celebrating? Should they celebrate?
The Chinese union appears to be simply an extension of the Communist Party, under control of the Chinese government.
History tells of how much the government in China has fought for its industrious workers.
Can we expect the government to fight Wal-Mart, perhaps win, and then share the spoils with the average worker?
Can we expect the price of goods ‘made in China’ to go up?
So, when we pay more to satisfy the unions in China, and the government of China reaps the benefit, who is happy then?
What do you think?
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