As the largest U.S. employer, Walmart sets the standard not just for the retail and service industries, but for the economy as a whole. Walmart’s poor labor practices and standards put pressure on many other businesses to lower wages and benefits in order to compete. The result is a Walmart economy where our jobs, health care, and labor standards have all downgraded. But if we can change Walmart, we can improve the lives of all working people.
We’re actively engaged in a comprehensive historic campaign to drive Walmart to reform its business practices and ensure wholesale changes across the retail sector. In partnership with community groups, Walmart associates, workers along the supply chain, and the UFCW, we are making interventions through worker organizing, shareholder accountability, public education, and community mobilization. Join with us and check out more resources below.
Massachussetts Jobs with Justice activists demonstrate outside of Walmart store in Lynn, MA
Walmart was unable to distance itself from criticism last week at its annual shareholder meeting. From the tragedies in its garment factories in Bangladesh to its own store associates marching on their door, the company was noticeably perturbed by the attention.
On Tuesday, Walmart store workers across the country began the longest strike in the company’s history. Workers are now headed on a “Ride for Respect” caravan to Bentonville, Arkansas, to bring their concerns to the company’s annual shareholder meeting beginning June 1.
In a press release, the striking workers called on the nation’s largest private employer to create better jobs:
Last week, 99% Power launched the shareholder spring with a week of action targeting Wells Fargo, Walmart, Bank of America and Sallie Mae as key examples of how the corporate 1% devastate our communities, lives, and the planet. The week of action demanded that these corporations renegotiate their debts to workers, homeowners, students and the environment.
Deadline to apply: May 17, 2013
Photo courtesy of Warehouse Workers United
On April 9th in Los Angeles, workers along the Walmart supply chain joined forces to launch the Walmart Supply Chain Organizing Committee. The public briefing announced worker-centered solutions for deteriorating conditions along Walmart’s supply chain. After all, they are the ones who have to deal with low standards on a daily basis.
Just one month ago, courageous workers at a Nicaraguan garment factory staged a peaceful protest to advocate for better working conditions — but the company they worked for, a Walmart supplier, paid a mob of 300 people to attack them with scissors, metal pipes and other weapons.
Photo: OUR Walmart / Flickr
Photo courtesy of OUR Walmart
Originally posted on Women's Media Center, March 20, 2013
Photo credit: Heather Stilwell
Following months of ongoing protests and a recent hunger strike, garment workers at a Walmart supplier in Cambodia will be paid about $200,000 in unpaid wages and severance.
Projection on the side of a Quincy, MA Walmart store supporting OUR Walmart
Jobs with Justice is a national network of local coalitions that bring together labor unions, faith groups, community organizations, and student activists to fight for working people. Our members are in the streets in 46 cities in 24 states across the country.
