Teamsters Muscle Toys R Us

by | Dec 3, 2010 | Labor Relations Ink

Just in time for the Christmas rush, the Teamsters union paired up with an environmental group and released a report accusing Toys R Us of allegedly selling “toxic toys.”

The typical corporate campaign tactic includes social media attacks, such as a YouTube video and a website calling on Congress to take action. (We addressed growing use of social media tactics in the last issue of INK). The report itself contained no conclusive proof of the accusations, only fodder for press releases.

Responding to the accusations, Toys R Us stated that the toys mentioned in the report meet all federal safety requirements and are carried broadly by retailers across the country. The Toy Industry Association stood behind the retailer, calling the attack on Toys R Us part of a “toy hunting” season now in full swing.

Unfortunately for Toys R Us, the real fight is between the Teamsters and the company’s co-owner, private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis & Roberts. KKR and the Teamsters have been grappling over other labor issues, and the union is looking to spoil KKR’s upcoming IPO for Toys R Us.

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