Activists Look Back at 50 Years of Walmart
Monday, July 2, 2012
(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)The Respect DC coalition “celebrated” the 50th anniversary of the first
Walmart store last week with a ‘Walmart at 50’ panel shining light on how
the corporate giant has treated workers at its stores and communities it enters.
“I just want to feel respected” said Michael Mensan, a Walmart associates in
Laurel, MD, explaining his decision to get involved with Organization United for
Respect at Walmart (OUR Walmart). OUR
Walmart -- a group of Walmart workers organizing for respect at stores across
the country -- started in nearby Laurel, MD, explained panelist and Walmart
associate Bertha Guillen, saying the campaign is “alive” and spreading
quickly. The discussion turned local as community members shared worries about
the six Walmart stores set to enter DC in the coming years. “The store would
overcome the community... small businesses couldn’t survive it” said Edna
Dogett of the proposed Walmart near her Ward 4 home. “This huge entity is
trying to really suffocate the community and we will not stop fighting them.”
Respect DC will be holding a candle
light prayer vigil at the proposed Ward 4 location on July 9; check the labor calendar for
more information on upcoming Respect DC events.
- photo of Respect DC "Walmart at 50" Parade (above) by Chris Garlock;
photo of panelists (left to right) Grace Sheedy (UFCW), Bertha Guillen (OUR
Walmart), and Michael Mensan (OUR Walmart) by Julia Kann