Target directing store managers to prevent workers from unionizing
Leaked training documents from Target, one of the largest retailers in the US, reveal how the company is directing management at stores to prevent workers from organizing unions.
At the end of January 2022, Target emailed store management new training guidelines on labor relations to complete, prompting managers to look for warning signs of worker and labor union organizing within their stores and coordinate with corporate human resources to quell union organizing campaigns.
The training email and documents were leaked anonymously to the workers’ advocacy group, Target Workers Unite, and come as other large US chains including Amazon and Starbucks are fighting unionization plans.
“This training will help you understand Target’s philosophy on unions and how unions could impact our Brand and our team,” states an introduction slide to the training.
The training goes on to characterize unions as “a business that makes money from the dues and fees paid by its members”, but then explains a union is formed when employees come together and express the desire to have a union represent them, typically through an election process.
Target warns a union could reduce flexibility and narrow job descriptions, increase operational costs, and create conflict between managers and employees. The company emphasizes preferring working directly with its workers over directly negotiating with workers represented by a union.
“We don’t believe that a union or any other third-party representative would improve anything-not for our team members, our guests, or the company,” states the training.
Target also claims in the training the company isn’t “anti-union” but rather “pro team member and guest”.
Managers are informed during the training that their
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