Dollar General Corporation: Brand Image, Food Deserts, and Growth
This case examines attempts to unionize Dollar General Corporation, an important and growing U.S. retailer. Workers’ attempts to form a collective bargaining unit have encountered substantial opposition, stemming from the company’s antipathy to unions, offering low hourly wages, and engaging in what some see as unfair labor practices. Recent organizing initiatives, however, point to a potential change in the labor market. 20 pp. Case #23-01 (2023).
1. Utilize basic applications of economics by examining the role of labor unions in protecting workers’ rights, collective bargaining, and other aspects of the labor
movement in the United States.
2. Analyze the relationship between labor unions and employers, and how it has evolved over time. It can also highlight the impact of labor unions on the workplace, such as wages, benefits, and job security.
3. Identify successful strategies or best practices that labor unions have used to achieve their goals. These strategies can be helpful for other labor unions and employers who want to establish positive relationships with their workers.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of public policy related to labor unions, such as labor laws, regulations, and government programs. It can also highlight the challenges faced by labor
unions and their members and the need for policy changes to address these challenges.
5. Explore social and political issues related to labor unions, such as power dynamics, inequality, and social justice. It can also provide insights into how labor unions intersect
with other social movements, such as civil rights or environmental justice.