Wal-Mart Stores has launched legal action against the UFCW union in the US and its protests at the retailer’s outlets in California.
The US retail giant has accused the UFCW and the union’s OURWalmart subsidiary of “illegal trespassing” after action at stores in recent months.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The world’s largest retailer says the union’s protests included “flash mobs” inside its outlets, as well as “picketing, blocking entrances, staging group confrontations with members of management and even conducting flash mobs inside our stores”.
“This action does not seek to prevent defendants from engaging in peaceful labor-related activity outside of Walmart’s stores as permitted under California law. Rather, it seeks only to stop Defendants’ ongoing practice of unlawfully trespassing inside Walmart’s stores to engage in disruptive and harassing conduct, none of which is protected under California law,” the lawsuit, seen by just-food, reads.
The action lists protests at Wal-Mart stores in the state between August and November.
“Their illegal trespassing has made some of our customers uncomfortable, has disrupted our associates’ work and, in many cases, we’ve had to call police to get them to leave. The lawsuit filed against the UFCW and its agents is to help protect our customers and associates from further disruptions associated with their continued, illegal trespassing. Their unlawful actions are disrespectful to both our associates and our customers and have to stop,” the retailer told just-food.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataThe UFCW union could not be reached for immediate comment.
