Union recruiting ban at Wal-Mart reversed

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday overturned a ruling that had barred a union from recruiting members inside Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores nationwide.

In a 6-1 decision, the high court threw out an injunction issued by an Arkansas state judge, saying the world’s largest retailer failed to show that the union organizing caused irreparable harm.

Two of the justices also criticized the judge for reaching beyond the state and imposing a coast-to-coast ban.

“It’s a clear victory for common sense and the rule of law,” said Al Zack, a Food and Commercial Workers union organizer who coordinated a recruiting effort at hundreds of Wal-Mart stores across the country.

Wal-Mart spokeswoman Sarah Clark said the Bentonville-based company remains “committed to protecting our stores, associates and customers from aggressive and unsolicited actions.”