Labor group seeks injunction against Walmart

Washington, D.C. - The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) is seeking an injunction from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Wal-Mart Stores Inc. relating to the closure of five stores.



The UFCW wants the NLRB to force Walmart to rehire 2,200 store employees who are currently on paid leave while the stores are closed for what the retailer said are necessary plumbing repairs. The UFCW claims the stores were actually shut down to punish employees who protested for higher pay and benefits.



In a statement, Walmart said it does not believe there is any basis for an injunction.



“As we have said all along, these stores were closed temporarily so we could fix the ongoing plumbing issues and it would be unfortunate if this outside group attempts to slow this process down for our associates and customers,” the retailer said. “Each of these five locations had more than 100 plumbing problems reported over the last two years, the most out of our more than 5,000 stores in the U.S.”



After two months, full-time employees who do not find a job at another Wal-Mart store may be eligible for severance. Part-time employees will not receive any severance.