Walmart-contracted Warehouse Workers go on Strike for Safer Working Conditions

Walmart refuses to meet with contracted warehouse workers to discuss safer working conditions

Today, while thousands of teachers are on strike in Chicago, another strike has been announced on the Walmart supply chain in California.

Following months of extreme tension, high temperatures, and intense pressure in a major Walmart-contracted warehouse, courageous workers – without having a recognized union – went on strike this morning to protest retaliation by their warehouse employers. They are calling for safe working conditions and that Walmart take responsibility for working conditions in the warehouse.

The workers unload metal containers in temperatures that can reach 120 degrees, without air conditioning or access to clean drinking water. Wages are low and injuries are common. "When we spoke out to change these things, some of us were suspended, some of us were demoted and some of us were fired. They spied on us and bullied us, all because we are fighting for dignity,” said Limber Herrera, a warehouse worker in Riverside.

To date, Walmart has ignored repeated requests for a meeting to discuss safer working conditions. Now, the workers are asking for our support. Sign the petition to Walmart executives demanding they meet with these workers.

On Monday, September 17, our signatures will be delivered by workers to executives at Walmart in Los Angeles following a six-day, 50-mile march by workers from their warehouses.

Today’s strike comes on the heels of another successful strike by workers in the Walmart supply chain. In June, a brave group of guestworkers went on strike to expose forced labor at Walmart supplier C.J.’s Seafood in Louisiana. After a failed effort to cover it up, Walmart ultimately suspended its contract with the supplier and was fined nearly $250,000.

Now, Walmart is attempting another cover up. By ignoring repeated requests for a meeting, Walmart is trying to distance itself from its own contractors.

Don’t let Walmart off the hook! Sign the petition to Walmart demanding the company take responsibility for the working conditions at its contracted warehouses.

As more and more workers along its supply chain come forward, it is clear that Walmart’s ruthless drive for profits has led to severe labor abuses by its contractors. Thanks to the bravery of these workers speaking out, Walmart will be forced to face its abuses.

Support courageous workers speaking out. Sign the petition to Walmart executives today!