Unionization could force Wal-Mart to raise prices, as a union would likely lobby for higher hourly wage rates and increased benefits, says Weinswig. There also could be less flexibility with Wal-Mart's staff, as a union may more specifically define what tasks each job type can accomplish, she says.

However, she notes, there may be some advantages such as lower employee turnover and lower training costs.

It's also worth noting that the concern over the possible passage of the bill is not limited to Wal-Mart. Many in the retail industry have spoken out about it, including industry trade group the National Retail Federation and rival discounter Target

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Retailers are already suffering due to weak consumer confidence brought on by high unemployment and the worst recession in the post-war period.

Meanwhile, labor unions are holding out hope that the new law can breathe new life into their ranks. Labor union membership has been waning. Last year, membership stood at 12 percent of the workforce, down sharply from its peak of 26 percent of the work force in 1953.

Weinswig says the decline in membership reflects both the waning significance of manufacturing in the U.S. as well as the ability of employers to lobby against unionization campaigns.

The proposed law would make it easier for unions to lobby employees to join by requiring only a simple majority to unionize, and waiving the requirement of a secret ballot election. If employers interfere in the unionization efforts, the penalties would be much steeper.

It's still unclear what support the bill will have in Congress. The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that key Senate Democrats are wavering in their support for the card-check proposal. That likely means the Senate leadership will be short of the 60 votes it needs for approval.

More from Consumer Nation:

• For Retailers, Fashion Makes Cents
• Retailers Expanding in The Face of A Downturn
• Another Reason to Fix Housing: Relocation Stimulus

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