Walmart's Ripple Effect Hits Brentwood Giant

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Pre-packaged meat at the Brentwood Giant could be a sign of the ripple effect of Walmart’s arrival in the District, say local activists. “Pre-packaged meat means getting rid of meat cutters, some of the most highly skilled and highly-paid grocery store workers,” says Mike Wilson of Respect DC, noting that Walmart got rid of all of its meat cutters in 2000 after meat cutters at one store voted to form a union. Giant’s attempt to follow suit means that “despite the promises of our elected officials, DC residents are already facing less access to fresh food -- in this case, freshly cut meat -- and fewer jobs,” Wilson says. Respect DC turned out at the Brentwood Giant (photo) last Saturday “to inform customers about what is happening at their store and let Giant know that we want good jobs and fresh cut meat!” said Wilson. "Giant should not mess with the integrity of the meat program that has been in place all these years,” said Calvin Parker, a Meat Cutter at Giant for 17 years. “Freshness and customer service has been the back-bone of the program and now with the threat of eliminating meat cutter jobs,Giant may not have either." photo by Karlyn Williams/UFCW 400