Workers Report Companies' Tougher Stance Against Union Organizers.

Retail workers at companies such as Apple, Starbucks, Trader Joe's, and REI have reported being disciplined or fired after engaging in union organizing efforts. While the companies initially countered the campaigns with criticism of unions and other means of dissuasion, they became more aggressive after unionization efforts succeeded at one or two stores. Some labor relations experts say the companies' progressive public profiles may have initially held them back, but once the union wins a few elections, "you pull out all the stops."