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"Walmart workers need to know that they are not alone in their fight for labour rights. At NUPGE, we know that labour rights are human rights." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
Ottawa (09 Oct. 2012) - Workers in at least two cities in the United States have gone on strike against major discount big box retailer Walmart. As of this morning, workers in Dallas, Texas and Laurel, Maryland walked off the job, while others plan to join the strike in the coming hours and days.
Last week, on October 4, workers at stores throughout southern California led a one-day work stoppage in protest of alleged retaliation against their attempts to organize.
The worker-led Organization United for Respect (OUR) at Walmart has been working for over a year to try to make change at the company. Issues such as scheduling, benefits, wages and most importantly respect in the workplace are priorities for employees but management has been determined not to find solutions.
As per usual company behaviour, known worldwide for its anti-union tactics, Walmart has done its best to silence workers, discipline them for speaking out, made staffing cuts and even fired people for raising concerns.
According to Salon.com, disruptions to Walmart's supply chain is growing: from shrimp workers in Louisiana to warehouse workers in California and Illinois, in addition to the store walkouts.
On Wednesday, October 10, workers will demonstrate outside the company’s annual investor meeting in Bentonville, Arkansas. Other demonstrations are being organized at Walmart workplaces across the U.S. You can send the workers a message to deliver to Walmart management and investors tomorrow.
"These workers are putting themselves on the line against one of the world's worst employers," said James Clancy, National President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). "We need to stand in solidarity with them and show our support, however we can. Walmart workers need to know that they are not alone in their fight for labour rights. At NUPGE, we know that labour rights are human rights."
More information:
Send your message of solidarity now
Stand up, live better: events October 10
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE