Laurel Walmart Workers -- and Friends -- Confront Manager
Friday, September 16, 2011
(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)The store manager at the
Laurel Walmart got an unexpected surprise Wednesday during the regular morning
meeting with store employees. One of the workers stood up and, backed by dozens
of her co-workers and community members with the Respect DC campaign, confronted
the manager about why so many Laurel Walmart associates have had their hours cut
or eliminated, resulting in under-staffing at the store and smaller paychecks.
The manager tried to end the meeting, and initially refused to accept the
petitions signed by his employees. Eventually he agreed to take petitions signed
by community members and to hear the concerns of the community and the
associates, who plan to continue their push for regular hours, adequate
staffing, and respect. "If this is how Walmart management treats their customers
and employees, we don't need them in DC," said Dyana Forrester, a DC resident
who came to support the Walmart associates. "They need to shape up and show some
respect to us and their employees if they want to come to our city." Click here
for more about OUR Walmart and Respect DC. Monday’s Labor Council
Delegate Meeting (6:30p at the AFL-CIO) will feature a presentation about the
OUR Walmart campaign by one of the Laurel Walmart workers.
- report/photo by Mike Wilson