November 29, 2013

Members of Congress Express Support for Walmart Workers on Black Friday

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Members of Congress today expressed support for Walmart workers who are calling for an end to illegal retaliation, and for Walmart to publicly commit to improving labor standards, such as providing workers with more full-time work and $25,000 ayear. Workers and their supporters are holding 1500 protests all over the nation today. Pointing to the $17 billion in annual profits and the $144.7 billionwealth of the Walton family, the Black Friday protestors say Walmart can and should do more to improve jobs, and in turn, the economy.

Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Ed Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Judy Chu (D-CA), William Lacy Clay (D-MO), Gwen Moore (D-WI), and Jim McDermott (D-WA) today issued the following statement:

“Across the country, there are countless Walmart workers who are paid poverty wages, cannot get enough hours, and have erratic work schedules that make it difficult to survive. Worse yet, as the National Labor Relations Board confirmed last week, Walmart has systematically and illegally retaliated against workers who have had the courage to stand up to improve working conditions.

“We stand with the courageous Walmart workers who are demanding better wages and an end to illegal retaliation. Walmart, the largest private employer in the United States, has a responsibility to their employees and our country to respect workers and their rights. No one should have to fear losing their jobs just for speaking up. 

“With as many as 825,000 Walmart workers making less than $25,000 a year and a single Walmart store costing taxpayers nearly $1 million in public assistance, the need for change is clear. Taxpayers should not have to pick up the tab because Walmart refuses to pay workers a living wage.  

“This holiday season we are proud to stand with the Walmart workers and their supporters who are protesting and calling on the company to do better.  It is time that Walmart pays its workers a fair wage and stops trampling on their rights.”

In recent weeks, members of Congress have demanded that Walmart make a commitment to providing better jobs. At a press conference last month, Representative Schakowsky, along with Representatives George Miller (D-CA) and Grace Napolitano (D-CA), challenged Walmart to stop illegal retaliation and increase hours to ensure workers earn a minimum of $25,000 a year for full-time work.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER: UFCW and OUR Walmart have the purpose of helping Wal-Mart employees as individuals or groups in their dealings with Wal-Mart over labor rights and standards and their efforts tohave Wal-Mart publically commit to adhering to labor rights and standards. UFCW and OUR Walmart have no intent to have Walmart recognize or bargain with UFCW or OUR Walmart as the representative of Walmart employees.