PG COPE Opposes PG WalMarts

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

The labor community's strong opposition to two proposed Wal-Mart stores in Prince George's County was affirmed last week when the Prince George's County COPE recommended that the Metro Washington Council convey this position to County Executive Jack Johnson and the members of the County Council. Wal-Mart is trying to exploit a loophole in the County's legislation restricting "big box" retail development and has announced plans to build stores inside the Capitol Beltway. "Not one tax dollar should be used to help Wal-Mart," said COPE co-chair Mark Federici, citing Wal-Mart’s long record of violating child labor, anti-discrimination, immigration, and labor laws. The PG COPE also plans to invite County Council members to a future meeting to discuss the issue.