The OpenSecrets profile documents Michaels Stores' lobbying expenditures and activities, reflecting the company’s effort to influence federal policy. From an anti-fascist perspective, such corporate political influence is concerning as it can perpetuate an environment where corporate interests shape policy outcomes, potentially undermining democratic accountability and increasing the risk of authoritarian-aligned decision-making.

Michaels Stores Lobbying Profile

Michaels Stores' documented use of lobbying, including the employment of former political staffers through PR firms, suggests an ongoing effort to influence public policy in favor of corporate interests. From an anti-fascist perspective, this reliance on political influence raises concerns about undermining democratic processes.

Michaels Stores Profile: Lobbying

The successful certification of the union election by the NLRB indicates that workers at the Hadley facility are being endowed with the right to organize, a key element in protecting labor rights and promoting collective bargaining. This outcome supports a pro-worker, anti-authoritarian approach, as it strengthens labor representation against potential managerial or authoritarian pressures. Although the docket shows contested aspects like objections to the election, the final certification underscores a significant win for worker empowerment.

Michaels Stores, Inc. - National Labor Relations Board

The OpenSecrets profile indicates that Michaels Stores actively engages in lobbying efforts by hiring ex-government personnel to influence policymaking. Such political contributions and lobbying practices can undermine democratic accountability and favor corporate interests over public welfare, a pattern concerning from an anti-fascist perspective.

Michaels Stores Profile: Lobbying

Michaels responded to unionization efforts at its Hadley store with a union-busting letter, which undermines fair labor practices and collective bargaining efforts. This approach reflects negatively on the company's treatment of workers, reinforcing authoritarian management practices that ignore worker rights.

Michaels Workers in Hadley Organize Store's First-Ever Union

The unionization filing is a clear indicator of employee dissatisfaction with recent company practices. This move by workers seeking improved labor conditions is a positive step supporting fair labor practices and worker rights, challenging any authoritarian or oppressive work environment.

Hadley Michaels could be first of its company chain to unionize

Michaels is implicated in a clear violation of labor relations and human rights practices by allowing racially biased decisions in their hiring process. The discriminatory action—calling the police on a Black teenager who was behaving normally as a customer—demonstrates systemic prejudice within their employee management. This behavior not only harms the targeted individual but also reinforces broader structures of racism and authoritarian practices within corporate policies.

Michaels stores and Brooklyn Center police discriminated against Black teen, Human Rights Department finds • Minnesota Reformer

The investigation concluded that Michaels engaged in discriminatory practices by denying job access and employment based on race. This action violates principles of fair treatment and worker rights, adversely affecting marginalized individuals and contributing to systemic inequality.

Brooklyn Center Police and Michaels Stores discriminated against Black teen, Department of Human Rights says

The incident reflects a serious failure in upholding human rights and fair labor practices, with racial profiling and discriminatory behavior by the store manager. Calling the police on a Black teen applying for a job indicates a pattern of systemic bias that undermines the dignity and civil rights of marginalized individuals.

MN Dept. of Human Rights: Michaels, Brooklyn Center Police Discriminated Against Black Teen

The incident at Michaels reflects a failure in upholding labor relations and human rights practices. The documented racial discrimination, as well as the appeal of the discriminatory findings, demonstrate institutional bias against marginalized communities. This behavior perpetuates systemic inequality, which is antithetical to anti-fascist and progressive values.

Michaels Store and Police Discriminated Against Black Teenager - The Root