The following letter was sent to GCIU Pres. George Tedeschi by Douglas H. Dority, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).

I want to thank you for your recent article in the Graphic Communicator about Wal-Mart and the company's impact on workers and communities.

As the world's richest corporation and biggest private U.S. employer, Wal-Mart's substandard employment and business practices negatively affect an ever-growing circle of workers beyond those employed by its retail operations.

Only an informed national movement of workers and communities can transform this retail giant from a corporation that drives workers to public assistance – with low wages, inadequate health care coverage, and high turnover practices – to a responsible business that puts worker and community needs above corporate greed.

America simply can't live on a Wal-Mart paycheck.

The UFCW's People's Campaign – Justice@Wal-Mart is already exposing the dirty truth behind Wal-Mart's high-gloss folksy image. There's no question that as more and more shoppers, people of faith, and union and community members learn about Wal-Mart's irresponsible practices, we will generate a powerful movement to hold the company accountable.

Publications like yours, Brother Tedeschi, that run stories about what goes on behind Wal-Mart's yellow smiley face are making an immeasurable contribution to this movement.

On behalf of all 1.4 million members of the UFCW, I want to express our gratitude. Together, we have the power to force Wal-Mart to live up to the American standard that hard work deserves a paycheck that raises living standards and increases opportunities for a better future.