Workers File Legal Charges Against Walmart for Threats
The word has gotten out about the viral strikes happening at Walmart. News reports confirmed that the workers’ actions have not been ignored by Walmart. The company held late-night mandatory meetings for all store associates to threaten that "there could be consequences" if employees did not report for work on Black Friday.
Walmart workers are not taking the illegal threats issued by Walmart lightly. OUR Walmart, an organization of workers from across the country who are calling for changes at Walmart, filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Tuesday afternoon seeking urgent attention from the agency as Walmart’s threats attempt to silence workers from speaking up and from participating in legally protected strikes and store actions.
For over 75 years, America's workers have held the fundamental right to gather together and collectively voice their workplace concerns. It is this right that Walmart associates, through their Our Walmart organization, are exercising this Black Friday. Walmart's use of the national media to threaten retaliation against these associates serves as a classic violation of their rights that are enshrined in the National Labor Relations Act.
In major cities, in rural towns, and in nearly every state, brave workers are standing up to Walmart to say they will not be intimidated. Affirms Dan Hindman, an OUR Walmart member from California, who was interviewed on CBS Evening News:
"Yes, some of my coworkers are afraid, but this kind of intimidation by Walmart management is an example of why we are going on strike. I know my rights, and I’m not afraid to protest against the way this company has retaliated against workers who are speaking out for what's good for our families.”
On Friday, workers like Dan, and their supporters around the country will demand an end to the retaliation they face for speaking out about unacceptable working conditions.
Can you join them this Friday? Find out the details and sign up to join your local Black Friday store actions and rallies here.
You can also click here to show your virtual support for striking Walmart workers.
