Usually on this blog, I try to stick to discussing art or writing, but I have to make an exception because this is just too important not to talk about. I want to talk about one of the biggest corporations on the planet, Walmart.
I attended the first strike in the state of Washington in Federal Way hosted by UFCW 21 and the members of O.U.R. (Organizers United for Respect at) Walmart. There were workers present from three different Walmarts in addition to people from several local businesses, non-profits, and unions. We gathered for a common goal, to raise awareness about the corporate practices impacting our communities and to stand in solidarity with the workers brave enough to openly participate in their union.
Here is a short video of a man I met named Gerry. Gerry has worked for Walmart for the last 6 years and recounts the story of becoming injured on the job and being denied compensation for three whole months.
For those of you who haven't seen it, the documentary Walmart: The High Cost of Low Prices really gives you a great understanding of why the workers need to strike. Here is a link to youtube where you can actually watch the entire movie: Walmart Documentary.
After watching this documentary several years ago, I stopped shopping at Walmart. I also encouraged my friends and family to do the same. This became a bit contentious because at the time my cousin was working for Walmart. My grandmoher flat out refused to stop shopping there on the grounds that at least they had given my cousin a job. Well last year my cousin became depressed and ended up being hospitalized. Walmart fired him for missing work.
The workers I spoke with talked about being full time for 10 weeks and then being dropped to part time so that Walmart wouldn't have to pay their medical benefits. Employees are highly discouraged from joining the union. Those who do often suffer from management retaliation. Workers are told that Walmart has an "open door" policy, but when put to the test, management has failed to address employee concerns from benefits, to interpersonal conflict, to workers comp and wage increases. The people I spoke with actually love their jobs. They have been with Walmart for years and years, but they hate the despicable way they are being treated.
I understand that I am citizen of a capitalist country and that the almighty dollar often takes precedence over common human decency, but I am also the citizen of a nation built on the principals of justice and freedom of speech. It is my belief that everyone has the right to be fairly compensated for the work they do and that we also have the right to stand up and be heard. Walmart may just seem like one corporation, but it is global and if workers are able to demand fair treatment... when workers are able to enact change at Walmart, they will not just be changing their job and their store, the ripple will be felt across the world. How long is it going to take for us to make this shift? I don't know, but I am excited to be a part of it. I stand in solidarity with O.U.R. Walmart and I hope you will too this BLACK FRIDAY when workers around the United States will be exercising their right to strike.
Here is a link to a website where you can find out more information about where the strikes will take place and why workers feel it is necessary: http://corporateactionnetwork.org/causes/walmart
I attended the first strike in the state of Washington in Federal Way hosted by UFCW 21 and the members of O.U.R. (Organizers United for Respect at) Walmart. There were workers present from three different Walmarts in addition to people from several local businesses, non-profits, and unions. We gathered for a common goal, to raise awareness about the corporate practices impacting our communities and to stand in solidarity with the workers brave enough to openly participate in their union.
Here is a short video of a man I met named Gerry. Gerry has worked for Walmart for the last 6 years and recounts the story of becoming injured on the job and being denied compensation for three whole months.
For those of you who haven't seen it, the documentary Walmart: The High Cost of Low Prices really gives you a great understanding of why the workers need to strike. Here is a link to youtube where you can actually watch the entire movie: Walmart Documentary.
After watching this documentary several years ago, I stopped shopping at Walmart. I also encouraged my friends and family to do the same. This became a bit contentious because at the time my cousin was working for Walmart. My grandmoher flat out refused to stop shopping there on the grounds that at least they had given my cousin a job. Well last year my cousin became depressed and ended up being hospitalized. Walmart fired him for missing work.
The workers I spoke with talked about being full time for 10 weeks and then being dropped to part time so that Walmart wouldn't have to pay their medical benefits. Employees are highly discouraged from joining the union. Those who do often suffer from management retaliation. Workers are told that Walmart has an "open door" policy, but when put to the test, management has failed to address employee concerns from benefits, to interpersonal conflict, to workers comp and wage increases. The people I spoke with actually love their jobs. They have been with Walmart for years and years, but they hate the despicable way they are being treated.
I understand that I am citizen of a capitalist country and that the almighty dollar often takes precedence over common human decency, but I am also the citizen of a nation built on the principals of justice and freedom of speech. It is my belief that everyone has the right to be fairly compensated for the work they do and that we also have the right to stand up and be heard. Walmart may just seem like one corporation, but it is global and if workers are able to demand fair treatment... when workers are able to enact change at Walmart, they will not just be changing their job and their store, the ripple will be felt across the world. How long is it going to take for us to make this shift? I don't know, but I am excited to be a part of it. I stand in solidarity with O.U.R. Walmart and I hope you will too this BLACK FRIDAY when workers around the United States will be exercising their right to strike.
Here is a link to a website where you can find out more information about where the strikes will take place and why workers feel it is necessary: http://corporateactionnetwork.org/causes/walmart
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