Monday, February 14, 2005
Capitol Hill Dems Demand Investigation Into Wal-Mart / DOL Sweetheart Deal
Congratulations to Representative George Miller (D-California) who's spearheading Capitol Hill Dems' demand for an investigation by the federal Department of Labor's Inspector General into the DOL's sweetheart settlement deal between the Bush Administration and frequent labor law violator Wal-Mart.
Rep. Miller's press announcement says in part:
Rep. Miller's press announcement says in part:
Under the arrangement, disclosed by The New York Times on Saturday, Wal-Mart will be allowed 15 days to investigate and rectify employee complaints before DOL conducts any investigation. Upon receiving a complaint about a potential violation of wage and hour laws, DOL’s field offices around the country are now instructed to notify the DOL office in Little Rock, Arkansas, which will then notify Wal-Mart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas of the complaint. The Department will not launch its own investigation during that time and it remains unclear under what circumstance it would launch an investigation after the 15 day period ends.Nathan Newman is all over this story, and he urges people to "call their legislators and demand that they support Miller's investigation into this DOL deal with Wal-Mart."
Miller said that such an arrangement could allow the giant employer to cover up evidence of a violation and would discourage aggrieved employees who might fear retribution from the company. Miller also sent a letter to Labor Secretary Elaine Chao today asking for more information about the arrangement.
# posted by Mad Kane @ 4:33 PM 
