NEW YORK -Workers United and Delaware North employees petitioned for a National Labor Relations Board election today to ensure that the 2,100 employees of the airport concessions operator have a voice in choosing their union. The election blocks a backroom deal between the airport concessionaire and Unite Here, another labor organization seeking to represent Delaware North workers. The contract at the airport concessions company expired ten months ago, and the tentative agreement between Unite Here and Delaware North provides no improvements in wages or healthcare benefits. There was no elected contract negotiating committee, and workers had no significant input in UNITE HERE's bargaining process.
"We want to have a strong union. We need a union that we run, that is strong enough to win raises and better health care, and that doesn't cut backroom deals with the company," said Pearline Burton, who has worked for three years at Delaware North's operation in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. "That's why we have taken action to win a real union with Workers United."
Delaware North Travel Hospitality workers are covered by a national labor agreement at 15 airports. Workers at some units are serviced by Workers United and others are serviced by UNITE HERE. The NLRB election will allow workers to choose which union represents them nationwide. The election process will also halt Unite Here's attempt to ratify the substandard contract.
"I am appalled that Unite Here would try to sneak this deal by 2,100 workers. The proposed contract is not about what's good for union members. It's about dues income for Unite Here and Delaware North's profits. Workers want a union that is transparent, democratic, and able to help them win the wages and benefits they deserve," said Workers United President Bruce Raynor. "We will not let Unite Here sell Delaware North workers out. With this election, workers will have a voice in choosing their union and more input into their contract in the future."
Workers United is an SEIU affiliate that represents 150,000 workers in the US and Canada who work in the laundry, food service, hospitality, gaming, apparel, textile, manufacturing and distribution industries. It was formed in March 2009 after workers voted to leave the failed merger of UNITE and HERE. www.workersunitedunion.org
Source: Workers United Union
CONTACT: Matt Painter of Workers United Union, +1-917-208-2552
Web Site: http://www.workersunitedunion.org/
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Bharti Wal-Mart opens first store;to invest $100 mn in 3-4 yrs
Amritsar, May 30 - Bharti Wal-Mart, the joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and US-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc, which today opened its first cash-and-carry store here, said it will invest over USD 100 million (about Rs 470 crore) in setting up 15 more such outlets in next 3-4 years.
Bharti Wal-Mart will offer foodgrain up to 5 per cent lower than the prevailing wholesale rates, a top official of the JV said.
The next store is likely by the end of this year. The company has plans to invest over USD 100 million in 15 new stores in next 3-4 years, Bharti Enterprises Vice-Chairman and MD Rajan Mittal told reporters here.
Ò... investment in each store will be about USD 6-7 million without land and building ... I am only talking about the insight of the store,Ó Mittal said.
Spelling out the JV's pricing plans, Bharti Wal-Mart MD and CEO Raj Jain said, ÒFoodgrain and cereals are two to five per cent cheaper, FMCG products are cheaper by 10 per cent while the apparels and general merchandise are less up to 25 per cent cheap,Ó
The firm will open stores initially in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh but later it would spread to other parts of the country.
ÒWe will eventually go pan-India,Ó Mittal said.
The cash-and-carry store under the brand name of 'BestPrice Modern Wholesale' is offering an assortment of around 6,000 items, including food and non-food items.
On allowing FDI in multi-band retail, Mittal said, ÒIt is not about only brining money into India.Ó
ÒWe will cross the bridge when it happens,Ó Mittal said referring to the joint venture partner's considering a decision after the government approves FDI in multi-brand.
Foreign direct investment is not allowed in multi-brand retailing.
The joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and Wal-Mart Stores Inc was inked in 2007.
The company had last year announced that its cash-and-carry stores would be opened under the brand name of 'BestPrice Modern Wholesale'.
Bharti Wal-Mart will offer foodgrain up to 5 per cent lower than the prevailing wholesale rates, a top official of the JV said.
The next store is likely by the end of this year. The company has plans to invest over USD 100 million in 15 new stores in next 3-4 years, Bharti Enterprises Vice-Chairman and MD Rajan Mittal told reporters here.
Ò... investment in each store will be about USD 6-7 million without land and building ... I am only talking about the insight of the store,Ó Mittal said.
Spelling out the JV's pricing plans, Bharti Wal-Mart MD and CEO Raj Jain said, ÒFoodgrain and cereals are two to five per cent cheaper, FMCG products are cheaper by 10 per cent while the apparels and general merchandise are less up to 25 per cent cheap,Ó
The firm will open stores initially in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh but later it would spread to other parts of the country.
ÒWe will eventually go pan-India,Ó Mittal said.
The cash-and-carry store under the brand name of 'BestPrice Modern Wholesale' is offering an assortment of around 6,000 items, including food and non-food items.
On allowing FDI in multi-band retail, Mittal said, ÒIt is not about only brining money into India.Ó
ÒWe will cross the bridge when it happens,Ó Mittal said referring to the joint venture partner's considering a decision after the government approves FDI in multi-brand.
Foreign direct investment is not allowed in multi-brand retailing.
The joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and Wal-Mart Stores Inc was inked in 2007.
The company had last year announced that its cash-and-carry stores would be opened under the brand name of 'BestPrice Modern Wholesale'.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Indian State slaps 10 pc surcharge on retail chains
Under pressure from the domestic traders, Kerala government has slapped a 10 per cent surcharge on the big retail chains, thus becoming the first state in the country to impose such a levy on super and hyper markets run by monopolies.
The proposal in this regard, made by state Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac in the budget presented in March, came into effect with assembly adopting Finance Bill 2008-09 yesterday.
The surcharge would be applicable on retail chains, including direct marketing chains, which import at least 50 per cent of their stock from outside the state or the country.
Commercial ventures, whose 75 per cent of the total business is in retail space and total turn over exceeds Rs 5 crore a year would come under the purview of the surcharge.
The retail chains run by the state and those in the co-operative sector such as Civil Supplies Corporation and Consumerfed, would, however, be exempted from the levy.
Curbing the entry of both national and multinational monopolies in retail sector has been an openly acknowledged policy of the ruling party.
The coalition, however, is aware of the constraints it has in imposing total ban on monopolies and that it could only restrict them through regulatory measures like additional levies.
The well-organised trading community in Kerala has been spearheading a campaign demanding tough measures to curb big retail chains and earlier this month organised a statewide shutdown to press its demand.
The proposal in this regard, made by state Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac in the budget presented in March, came into effect with assembly adopting Finance Bill 2008-09 yesterday.
The surcharge would be applicable on retail chains, including direct marketing chains, which import at least 50 per cent of their stock from outside the state or the country.
Commercial ventures, whose 75 per cent of the total business is in retail space and total turn over exceeds Rs 5 crore a year would come under the purview of the surcharge.
The retail chains run by the state and those in the co-operative sector such as Civil Supplies Corporation and Consumerfed, would, however, be exempted from the levy.
Curbing the entry of both national and multinational monopolies in retail sector has been an openly acknowledged policy of the ruling party.
The coalition, however, is aware of the constraints it has in imposing total ban on monopolies and that it could only restrict them through regulatory measures like additional levies.
The well-organised trading community in Kerala has been spearheading a campaign demanding tough measures to curb big retail chains and earlier this month organised a statewide shutdown to press its demand.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Reliance, Walmart eyeing Malayalam film industry
Kochi, India - Another controversy is brewing in the Malayalam film industry with the MACTA Federation today alleging that Reliance, Walmart and Tatas have signed up at least three top actors, including Mamooty and Mohanlal, besides 10 reputed film directors, for their coming films.
This will destroy the industry and the directors,including Priyardarshan, Fasil, Siddiq, Joshi, Lal Jose, who broke away from the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA) should withdraw from any agreement they have reached with the companies, Federation Treasurer, Baiju Kottarakara, told reporters here.
Three top actors -- Mamooty, Mohanlal and Dileep have taken an advance of Rs 50 lakh each, he alleged. ÒReliance is undertaking the cabling work of at least 400 theatres in the state, he said.
The directors and actors have been 'bought' by the top companies, he said, adding that they have been booked by them to direct and act in only their films for the next five years. This will hit the ordinary film industry worker and destroy the trade union movement and they should withdraw from such an agreement, he said.
Reacting to the allegation, director Siddiq, who was the first to break away from the federation, following MACTA's decision to boycott Dileep, who refused to act in a film by director Thulasidas, said attempts are being made by MACTA to 'tarnish' the reputation of directors by coming out with such 'wild allegations'.
The Federation office bearers are desperate to keep their chairs intact and so were coming out with the allegations, he said and added that neither he nor any other film directors had signed any such agreement.
'Big corporates entry will destroy Malayalam film industry'
A controversy is brewing in the Malayalam film industry, with the cine technicians association today claiming that the purported entry of corporate houses in this medium would destroy the regional cinema industry.
The Malayalam Cine Technicians Association alleged that some corporate houses have signed up at least three top actors, including Mamooty and Mohanlal, besides 10 reputed film directors, for their upcoming films.
This will destroy the Malayalam film industry and the directors including Priyardarshan, Fasil, Siddiq, Joshi, Lal Jose, who broke away from the MACTA, should withdraw from any agreement they have reached with the companies, Federation Treasurer, Baiju Kottarakara, told reporters here.
He alleged that three top actors Mamooty, Mohanlal and Dileep have taken an advance of Rs 50 lakh each.
The directors and actors have been 'bought' by the top companies, he said, adding that they have been booked by them to direct and act in only their films for the next five years. This will hit the ordinary film industry worker and destroy the trade union movement and they should withdraw from such an agreement, he said.
Reacting to the allegation, director Siddiq, who was the first to break away from the federation, following MACTA's decision to boycott Dileep, who refused to act in a film by director Thulasidas, said attempts are being made by MACTA to 'tarnish' the reputation of directors by coming out with such 'wild allegations'.
The Federation office bearers are desperate to keep their chairs intact and so were coming out with the allegations, he said and also added that neither he nor any other film directors had signed any such agreement.
This will destroy the industry and the directors,including Priyardarshan, Fasil, Siddiq, Joshi, Lal Jose, who broke away from the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA) should withdraw from any agreement they have reached with the companies, Federation Treasurer, Baiju Kottarakara, told reporters here.
Three top actors -- Mamooty, Mohanlal and Dileep have taken an advance of Rs 50 lakh each, he alleged. ÒReliance is undertaking the cabling work of at least 400 theatres in the state, he said.
The directors and actors have been 'bought' by the top companies, he said, adding that they have been booked by them to direct and act in only their films for the next five years. This will hit the ordinary film industry worker and destroy the trade union movement and they should withdraw from such an agreement, he said.
Reacting to the allegation, director Siddiq, who was the first to break away from the federation, following MACTA's decision to boycott Dileep, who refused to act in a film by director Thulasidas, said attempts are being made by MACTA to 'tarnish' the reputation of directors by coming out with such 'wild allegations'.
The Federation office bearers are desperate to keep their chairs intact and so were coming out with the allegations, he said and added that neither he nor any other film directors had signed any such agreement.
'Big corporates entry will destroy Malayalam film industry'
A controversy is brewing in the Malayalam film industry, with the cine technicians association today claiming that the purported entry of corporate houses in this medium would destroy the regional cinema industry.
The Malayalam Cine Technicians Association alleged that some corporate houses have signed up at least three top actors, including Mamooty and Mohanlal, besides 10 reputed film directors, for their upcoming films.
This will destroy the Malayalam film industry and the directors including Priyardarshan, Fasil, Siddiq, Joshi, Lal Jose, who broke away from the MACTA, should withdraw from any agreement they have reached with the companies, Federation Treasurer, Baiju Kottarakara, told reporters here.
He alleged that three top actors Mamooty, Mohanlal and Dileep have taken an advance of Rs 50 lakh each.
The directors and actors have been 'bought' by the top companies, he said, adding that they have been booked by them to direct and act in only their films for the next five years. This will hit the ordinary film industry worker and destroy the trade union movement and they should withdraw from such an agreement, he said.
Reacting to the allegation, director Siddiq, who was the first to break away from the federation, following MACTA's decision to boycott Dileep, who refused to act in a film by director Thulasidas, said attempts are being made by MACTA to 'tarnish' the reputation of directors by coming out with such 'wild allegations'.
The Federation office bearers are desperate to keep their chairs intact and so were coming out with the allegations, he said and also added that neither he nor any other film directors had signed any such agreement.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Wal-Mat leaving Japan
Wal-Mart Announces Tender Offer for Full Ownership of Seiyu, Its Japanese Subsidiary
BENTONVILLE, Ark. and TOKYO, Oct. 22 - So, It,s now confirm that Wal-Mart is leaving Japan. According to a statement today make by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., ("Wal-Mart") (NYSE: WMT) says, it will launch a tender offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of its Japanese subsidiary, The Seiyu, Ltd. ("Seiyu") (TSE: 8268), that it does not already own. The offer is being made with the endorsement of the Seiyu Board of Directors, which today passed a resolution of support.
The tender offer price is 140 yen per common share. This represents a
premium of 60.9% over the closing price on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on
October 19, and a premium of 34.6% over the average closing price for the
prior three months.
Wal-Mart currently owns 50.9% of Seiyu. The tender offer represents an
additional investment by Wal-Mart of up to 100 billion yen (approximately
$862 million).
"Today's announcement is a reaffirmation of our commitment to Japan,
the second largest economy in the world," said Mike Duke, Vice Chairman of
Wal- Mart Stores, Inc. "The Japanese retail market is of major strategic
importance to Wal-Mart, and our goal is to achieve long-term success and
growth in Japan."
"Full ownership by Wal-Mart is the best way for Seiyu and Wal-Mart to
accelerate the delivery of long-term benefits to our customers, the
communities we serve, our associates and our business partners," explained
Duke.
The tender offer will commence on October 23, 2007 and will be open for
30 business days, closing on December 4, 2007. Wal-Mart's minimum objective
through the tender offer is to achieve ownership of at least two thirds of
Seiyu's common shares. Following a successful tender offer, Wal-Mart
intends to take additional steps to acquire all of the remaining shares,
which would result in the delisting of Seiyu shares from the Tokyo Stock
Exchange.
Seiyu and Wal-Mart entered into an alliance in May 2002. Wal-Mart
became the majority owner of Seiyu at the end of 2005, and has since
committed substantial resources with the aim of improving Seiyu's corporate
value.
Both Seiyu and Wal-Mart now believe that it is in both companies' best
interests for Seiyu to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wal-Mart, to
ensure that Seiyu can benefit most fully from Wal-Mart's support.
"As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Seiyu will have increased flexibility to
invest in merchandising, store renovation, distribution and logistics,"
said Duke. "Our Japanese associates will benefit from these steps to
enhance the company's performance. In addition, this provides reassurance
to our business partners and increases confidence in Seiyu's strength and
future prospects.
Duke added, "Wal-Mart's mission of saving people money so they can live
better means that Seiyu can leverage Wal-Mart's global ability to offer
great value and pass those benefits on to our customers in Japan."
note---You can only laugh on these claims....
BENTONVILLE, Ark. and TOKYO, Oct. 22 - So, It,s now confirm that Wal-Mart is leaving Japan. According to a statement today make by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., ("Wal-Mart") (NYSE: WMT) says, it will launch a tender offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of its Japanese subsidiary, The Seiyu, Ltd. ("Seiyu") (TSE: 8268), that it does not already own. The offer is being made with the endorsement of the Seiyu Board of Directors, which today passed a resolution of support.
The tender offer price is 140 yen per common share. This represents a
premium of 60.9% over the closing price on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on
October 19, and a premium of 34.6% over the average closing price for the
prior three months.
Wal-Mart currently owns 50.9% of Seiyu. The tender offer represents an
additional investment by Wal-Mart of up to 100 billion yen (approximately
$862 million).
"Today's announcement is a reaffirmation of our commitment to Japan,
the second largest economy in the world," said Mike Duke, Vice Chairman of
Wal- Mart Stores, Inc. "The Japanese retail market is of major strategic
importance to Wal-Mart, and our goal is to achieve long-term success and
growth in Japan."
"Full ownership by Wal-Mart is the best way for Seiyu and Wal-Mart to
accelerate the delivery of long-term benefits to our customers, the
communities we serve, our associates and our business partners," explained
Duke.
The tender offer will commence on October 23, 2007 and will be open for
30 business days, closing on December 4, 2007. Wal-Mart's minimum objective
through the tender offer is to achieve ownership of at least two thirds of
Seiyu's common shares. Following a successful tender offer, Wal-Mart
intends to take additional steps to acquire all of the remaining shares,
which would result in the delisting of Seiyu shares from the Tokyo Stock
Exchange.
Seiyu and Wal-Mart entered into an alliance in May 2002. Wal-Mart
became the majority owner of Seiyu at the end of 2005, and has since
committed substantial resources with the aim of improving Seiyu's corporate
value.
Both Seiyu and Wal-Mart now believe that it is in both companies' best
interests for Seiyu to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wal-Mart, to
ensure that Seiyu can benefit most fully from Wal-Mart's support.
"As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Seiyu will have increased flexibility to
invest in merchandising, store renovation, distribution and logistics,"
said Duke. "Our Japanese associates will benefit from these steps to
enhance the company's performance. In addition, this provides reassurance
to our business partners and increases confidence in Seiyu's strength and
future prospects.
Duke added, "Wal-Mart's mission of saving people money so they can live
better means that Seiyu can leverage Wal-Mart's global ability to offer
great value and pass those benefits on to our customers in Japan."
note---You can only laugh on these claims....
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