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Major manifestation of
worker solidarity: All over the Unites States, Day of Action put the spotlight on Wal-Mart's bad labour practices - They've got the money to expand all over. Why can't they give their workers a living wage, and in this day and time, medical benefits?" This comment by the Rev. Pat Thompson in today's Los Angeles Times goes to the core of what the People's campaign for Wal-Mart workers is all about. The California reverend says to the newspaper that parishioners complain to him about how difficult it is to live on Wal-Mart wages and about how badly they are treated by the company. Yesterday's Day of Action brought together a broad spectre of organisations and communities voicing their support for Wal-Mart workers' claims for better treatment. Demonstrations and rallies were held all over the United States, with extensive media coverage. UNI Commerce affiliate UFCW is engaged in a tough campaign to give Wal-Mart workers the right to unionise. The company fights this with all means available and has become a symbol for union busting and repression of trade union sympathisers. A recent UFCW video exposes the dirty tricks and cynical campaigning by the Arkansas based retail giant. The enormous turn-over of Wal-Mart staff is a clear signal that they do not feel well. Of the company's one million U.S. workers, 500,000 quit each year. With earnings of between USD 6.50 and 8.00 an hour and with no medical insurance for two thirds of all workers, this is no wonder. In today's Denver Post, former Wal-Mart employee Joe Walker says that he was harassed for trying to start a union and had to quit after two months. - In a country where there's plenty, there's no excuse for anybody to be without, he says to the Colorado newspaper. - They talk about a war on terrorism; there is economic terrorism going on." - Behind that smiley face is a single mother who makes USD 7.50 an hour and can't afford health insurance for her family because Wal-Mart charges her USD 400 a month for it, Rian Wathen of UFCW Local 700 was quoted as saying in today's Indianapolis Star. -Now this is not a very happy face, he told the Indiana daily. In New Jersey, Morris Zanni who is a member of UFCW Local 1358 said that "I want to make them spend a little of their money." In today's Press of Atlantic City he said that "People deserve a decent pay check. You hear all about how much Wal-Mart made last year, but they treat their employees like nothing." On the most recent Fortune list of the wealthiest Americans, the five heirs of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton placed themselves in fourth place. Like usually, Microsoft's Bill Gates topped the list. But what is more interesting is that when the Walton property is added together, it amounts to 94 Billion USD against Gates' 54 Billion. |
