Festive Parade Challenges Walmart Push Into DC

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)It was an unusual parade, to say the least. The main float featured a bed in which Walmart developers waving handfuls of cash cavorted with DC Councilmembers. Another was draped with a giant blue octopus. Marchers chanted anti-Walmart slogans and waved signs urging “Keep DC Walmart Free” and “Walmart Always Discriminates.” Wending its way from the proposed Walmart site at New Jersey and H Street to Walmart’s DC headquarters at 8th and G, hundreds of labor, neighborhood and religious activists took their serious message about the threat Walmart poses to their communities to the sun-drenched streets of downtown Washington. “We’ve heard their lies for ten years, “ said National Organization for Women VP Alendra Letsome, “Walmart is not good for women, they’re not good for minorities, and they’re not good for our communities.” Metro Council President Jos Williams wished Walmart an ironic “Happy Birthday” on the big box giant’s 50th anniversary, but noted that “The big 5-0 is a time to reflect and a time to turn over a new leaf, a time to make some changes. If you really want to change your image, start treating your employees with dignity and respect, pay them good wages, provide good working conditions and allow them to choose whether they want to join a union. Otherwise we don’t need or want you in our community!” UFCW Local 400 echoed Williams’ concerns, adding that despite the company’s assurances to the contrary, “Walmart destroys small business and good jobs, and creates poverty.” Local Walmart Associate Sharon Ramirez shared her horrific tale of corporate neglect and harassment as Walmart either did nothing or obstructed her efforts to get treatment for a malignant brain cancer. “Where’s the loyalty?” Ramirez asked. “Walmart did it again, selling me cheesy, substandard health insurance” and pushing out full-time workers in favor of even less expensive part-timers. - report/photos by Chris Garlock