The Wal-Mart Rematch: A Non-Starter?

By Kevin Robinson in News on Mar 3, 2009 6:00PM

Crain's Chicago Business is reporting that Wal-Mart, which has indicated recently that it would like to open more stores in Chicago, may not have the support it needs in the city council to move forward with its plans. The Arkansas-based retailer has its sights set on South side communities, including Chatham, Pullman and Washington Park. But while some alderman support the expansion of the retailer's presence in Chicago, the Mayor's office has indicated that unless a veto-proof majority can be mustered, he'd rather not engage in the fight. Wal-Mart "would be welcome to come to Chicago if they gave their workers the right, if they so desire, to organize," 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore told the publicantion. "We are simply asking them for that level of fairness."

In gearing up for the 2016 Olympic bid, however, Daley would prefer not to anger the local labor movement, which remains steadfastly opposed to Wal-Mart's expansion in town. That opposition may be figuring into Wal-Mart's strategy. "Just like elected officials and community leaders, we want to stimulate economic development," Michael Lewis, president of the Midwest division of Wal-Mart, told Crain's. "We are evaluating all projects on a case-by-case basis and balancing the city's current political and economic climate as we work to bring new locations to our Chicagoland customers." But SEIU's political director seemed to think that it wouldn't be a possibility. "I can't imagine with the sensitivity around the Olympics proposal that this is a debate that some within the administration and City Hall would want to have."