MLK Linked To DC Walmart Campaign

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Invoking Dr. Martin Luther King, the Living Wages, Healthy Communities coalition is calling on Walmart to “Respect DC.” A full-page ad in The Informer on Monday, Martin Luther King Day -- recalls Dr. King's final campaign supporting striking sanitation workers in Memphis and connecting Dr. King's support for workers to the impact of Walmart's plans to open four stores in DC. The coalition is insisting that a strong community benefits agreement protecting workers and communities be included in any plans to open Walmart stores in the District. "As residents of the capital of this rich nation, we deserve more than starvation wages," the ad reads. "We deserve better than moral misdeeds committed by one of the wealthiest companies on earth. We deserve respect." The Living Wages, Healthy Communities coalition will be marching behind the "Respect DC" banner on Monday in the annual MLK Peace Walk in Anacostia and invites supporters to join them at 9A at the Anacostia metro station, near the exit to the "kiss and ride." For more information contact Mike Wilson at mikewilson28@gmail.com.