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Walmart Black Friday Strike:
Workers Threaten To 'Take Action' On Retailer's Busiest Day
Employees at 28 Walmarts in 12 different cities walked out of work Tuesday, but things may get a whole lot worse for the biggest retailer in the U.S. come Black Friday.
United Food and Commercial Workers' Making Change At Walmart, the group behind the protesters alleging unfair labor practices by Walmart, has warned that the campaign will come to a head on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving that's regarded as one of the biggest shopping days of the year, according to a conference call organized by the group Wednesday.
"We feel like if they refuse to listen to our proposition we will make sure that on Black Friday we will take action inside and outside of stores," said Colby Harris, 22, a Walmart worker from Dallas, Texas, and a member of OUR Walmart, a UFCW-backed worker organization closely affiliated with Making Change at Walmart. "We'll make it known that Walmart's deadline is Black Friday," he added.
The Black Friday protests could include any "non-violent action, from flash mobs to strikes to public awareness," Harris added.
David Tovar, Walmart VP of communications, countered the protesters' claims in an interview with The Huffington Post. "These strikes are an attempt by the unions to further their own political and financial agendas," he said, noting that the majority of Walmart's 1.4 million workers are pleased with their jobs. Tovar wouldn't comment on the possibility of Black Friday strikes.
"More than half of Walmart’s one million hourly store associates have an hourly wage at least $10.00 or higher," he said. "In fact, in many metropolitan areas in which we operate, our entry level start rates regularly exceeds that of new hires for comparable positions under the UFCW contracts."
Tovar also said that three quarters of Walmart's store management teams started out in hourly positions, noting that the company promoted 160,000 hourly workers last year.
Employees at 28 Walmarts in 12 different cities walked out of work Tuesday, but things may get a whole lot worse for the biggest retailer in the U.S. come Black Friday.
United Food and Commercial Workers' Making Change At Walmart, the group behind the protesters alleging unfair labor practices by Walmart, has warned that the campaign will come to a head on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving that's regarded as one of the biggest shopping days of the year, according to a conference call organized by the group Wednesday.
"We feel like if they refuse to listen to our proposition we will make sure that on Black Friday we will take action inside and outside of stores," said Colby Harris, 22, a Walmart worker from Dallas, Texas, and a member of OUR Walmart, a UFCW-backed worker organization closely affiliated with Making Change at Walmart. "We'll make it known that Walmart's deadline is Black Friday," he added.
The Black Friday protests could include any "non-violent action, from flash mobs to strikes to public awareness," Harris added.
David Tovar, Walmart VP of communications, countered the protesters' claims in an interview with The Huffington Post. "These strikes are an attempt by the unions to further their own political and financial agendas," he said, noting that the majority of Walmart's 1.4 million workers are pleased with their jobs. Tovar wouldn't comment on the possibility of Black Friday strikes.
"More than half of Walmart’s one million hourly store associates have an hourly wage at least $10.00 or higher," he said. "In fact, in many metropolitan areas in which we operate, our entry level start rates regularly exceeds that of new hires for comparable positions under the UFCW contracts."
Tovar also said that three quarters of Walmart's store management teams started out in hourly positions, noting that the company promoted 160,000 hourly workers last year.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/10/walmart-workers-black-friday-strike_n_1954782.html
Here's what I think of this brilliant idea. If one wants to take time off from work that was not allocated by your employer, and then you are going to stand outside said work place and protest that place??? You lose your job....
YOU ARE REPLACEABLE PEOPLE.....
YOU ARE REPLACEABLE PEOPLE.....
I've always heard that Wal Mart has very good policies on hiring and how they treat their employees. I personally love the fact that they frequently hire folks with disabilities and developmental delays. That say's a lot to me.
I find it unfortunate that they are using such a busy and important shopping day in this. It's almost blackmail isn't it.
I find it unfortunate that they are using such a busy and important shopping day in this. It's almost blackmail isn't it.
Blackmail? Sure, or some kind of an extortion attempt. Really, is there anyone here that can just decide to take the day off and stand outside your workplace and protest it and expect to somehow better your position in that workplace?
Personally, I have a job (2 of them in fact) because I need that job. If your workplace is that miserable, leave.... go find something else. Maybe Walmart isn't for you, but do yourself a favor and realize that you are replaceable. There is someone right now in the unemployment line that will gladly take over where you walked out.
Personally, I have a job (2 of them in fact) because I need that job. If your workplace is that miserable, leave.... go find something else. Maybe Walmart isn't for you, but do yourself a favor and realize that you are replaceable. There is someone right now in the unemployment line that will gladly take over where you walked out.
AMEN BRICE!!!!!!
In 100% agreement. If I did that, my employment would be terminated, and rightfully so.
I kind of agree with the above statements and I kind of dont. When I first moved to the region where I live, I applied for a job at our local walmart which is literally 5 minutes down the road. I got called in for an interview and hired. They took me back to do the paperwork and I asked them the pay rate. Now keep in mind that I had worked in bank positions, other cashier positions and ran the office at a local Meier store up north handling the cash drawers and the vault. I was told the position paid 5.27 an hour and was part time, only part time positions were available. So I guess my local walmart didnt fall in line with the most that are mentioned above. Of course I told them no thanks. I mean, really. Who can live on that? Then a few months ago they got rid of all the greeters and were working a skeleton crew on weekends. You take the hours they want to give you and that is usually a few hours under what they would have to give you benefits for. I guess this Walmart doesn't belong to a union?
At a time with a recession looming, people needing to take what they can find, do not necessarily have lots of choices. I actually think McDonald's where I live pays much better with better hours and benefits to boot.
So I guess you would say, there are two sides to every story and if the workers feel they are being mistreated or treated unfairly, who am I to say they are not. I don't work there, nor would I, but unlike a lot of those folks, I HAVE a choice. Which Is why I dont.
At a time with a recession looming, people needing to take what they can find, do not necessarily have lots of choices. I actually think McDonald's where I live pays much better with better hours and benefits to boot.
So I guess you would say, there are two sides to every story and if the workers feel they are being mistreated or treated unfairly, who am I to say they are not. I don't work there, nor would I, but unlike a lot of those folks, I HAVE a choice. Which Is why I dont.
There's always a choice. We're talking about Wal Mart...if there's a Wal-Mart around, then that person is in a large, populated area. They don't put Wal-Marts in in the middle of nowhere.
I hope they find replacements for each and every one of them.
I hope they find replacements for each and every one of them.
I know I am repeating myself so this is completely redundant, but why on earth would you protest/strike a job that you don't like and somehow expect it to automatically become a better situation? Would $1 more an hour make Walmart a more desirable work environment? Better than that, would that $1 make you a better, more productive, more reliable employee?
Come on, man. Move along....
Come on, man. Move along....
"if there's a Wal-Mart around, then that person is in a large, populated area. They don't put Wal-Marts in in the middle of nowhere"
I don't know about that LOL, I used to live in Delta CO and they have a super Wal-Mart
Delta County
Population in 2010: 8,915
I don't know about that LOL, I used to live in Delta CO and they have a super Wal-Mart
Delta County
Population in 2010: 8,915
Walmart does not have a good reputation for treating it's employees well as far as I know.
It seems like there's been many complaints and suits over the years ranging from discriminating against women, racism, low pay and long hours, etc. I
can't recall all of them, but I never shop there if I can find things elsewhere. And I usually can.
It seems like there's been many complaints and suits over the years ranging from discriminating against women, racism, low pay and long hours, etc. I
can't recall all of them, but I never shop there if I can find things elsewhere. And I usually can.
Again... choices. If Walmart is horrible, don't apply for work there. Nobody is making people work there. If you do work there, do your job.... If you dislike your job, look for something else.
We shop there when we can. Pretty much everything is cheaper. (4 furnace filters for $1.98 and the mom and pop joint here sells one filter for the same price.)
We shop there when we can. Pretty much everything is cheaper. (4 furnace filters for $1.98 and the mom and pop joint here sells one filter for the same price.)
Again... choices. If Walmart is horrible, don't apply for work there. Nobody is making people work there. If you do work there, do your job.... If you dislike your job, look for something else.
YES!!! Perfectly said, brice!
This is where unions have become destructive. I've seen how a union "protects" an employee first hand at a few of my jobs. I talked about it on another thread. I'm all for worker's rights, but far too often, unions protect the lazy employees, and employees use it as a way to be able to work less, for more money. Gone are the days, IMO, where unions served a purpose.
There are laws in place for that reason. If a person is being discriminated against, or are being forced to work more than allowed by law, then that person needs to utilize the laws that are in place for that exact reason. For the most part, unions need to go bye bye.
We shop there when we can. Pretty much everything is cheaper. (4 furnace filters for $1.98 and the mom and pop joint here sells one filter for the same price.) .
Absolutely, me too. I would shop there more, but it's usually a zoo, and I cannot stand that. I also frequent the Mom and Pop stores as well, but if I'm looking to buy something, and WalMart has it for 40-50% less, it's a no brainer. I'm not going to pay twice as much. I'm not a big fan of throwing my money away.
I DO understand that places like WalMart make it difficult for the mom and pop stores to compete, and I'm certainly compassionate about that dilemma, but there are ways.
YES!!! Perfectly said, brice!
This is where unions have become destructive. I've seen how a union "protects" an employee first hand at a few of my jobs. I talked about it on another thread. I'm all for worker's rights, but far too often, unions protect the lazy employees, and employees use it as a way to be able to work less, for more money. Gone are the days, IMO, where unions served a purpose.
There are laws in place for that reason. If a person is being discriminated against, or are being forced to work more than allowed by law, then that person needs to utilize the laws that are in place for that exact reason. For the most part, unions need to go bye bye.
We shop there when we can. Pretty much everything is cheaper. (4 furnace filters for $1.98 and the mom and pop joint here sells one filter for the same price.) .
Absolutely, me too. I would shop there more, but it's usually a zoo, and I cannot stand that. I also frequent the Mom and Pop stores as well, but if I'm looking to buy something, and WalMart has it for 40-50% less, it's a no brainer. I'm not going to pay twice as much. I'm not a big fan of throwing my money away.
I DO understand that places like WalMart make it difficult for the mom and pop stores to compete, and I'm certainly compassionate about that dilemma, but there are ways.
I think a lot of people who belong to the unions have just become indoctrinated or brainwashed. "You need us....". Not for the life of me do I believe for one second that if the unions dissolved any jobs would be lost by their dues paying members. It wouldn't happen.
I've never heard of unions creating jobs. I've never heard of unions paying peoples bills when a dues paying members lose their jobs.... maybe it happens, but I doubt it.
I've never heard of unions creating jobs. I've never heard of unions paying peoples bills when a dues paying members lose their jobs.... maybe it happens, but I doubt it.
My Wife has worked at Wal-Mart for years. They treat her good and I’m insured through Wal-Mart (BC/BS). I can say, it was Wal-Mart that made it possible for my HCV Treatment. I personally don’t shop there unless I have to. It’s not anything against Wal-Mart; I just don’t really care to be around people unless I’m getting paid to tolerate them.
It’s not anything against Wal-Mart; I just don’t really care to be around people unless I’m getting paid to tolerate them. .
Me too!
It's craziness there. I've gone in the middle of the night thinking less crowds, well yes, that's true, but that's when they're restocking everything, you have to literally climb over pallets, grrr!
Me too!
It's craziness there. I've gone in the middle of the night thinking less crowds, well yes, that's true, but that's when they're restocking everything, you have to literally climb over pallets, grrr!
I have met quite a few Wal Mart employees, and haven't heard complaints, at least not here locally. I guess it could depend on the location. However, I don't believe a strike like this and holding a company hostage is the way to rectify a situation. There are other ways.
I actually just came from Wal Mart. I often shop there as the prices are good and I can find everything I need in one store (much simpler with a toddler in tow..lol). But as we get closer to Christmas, eeyikes! I wish I could avoid stores altogether right now!
I actually just came from Wal Mart. I often shop there as the prices are good and I can find everything I need in one store (much simpler with a toddler in tow..lol). But as we get closer to Christmas, eeyikes! I wish I could avoid stores altogether right now!
I have a niece that has worked for Wal Mart for many years; she's some type of district manager or whatever. Seems that she does quite well and also provided insurance for her family over the years (her children are now all grown). I never heard much complaint from her.
We shop at Wal Mart for a lot of things, because the prices are lower. Why should I pay $4 for a bottle of shampoo at the grocery or drug store, when I can get the same bottle for $1.98 at Wal Mart? We have a favorite grocery store that offers a lot of "BOGO's" (Buy one/Get one), so don't buy a lot of groceries at Wal Mart.
I'm sure it varies, depending on the area you're in, but I've found that shopping in my local Wal Mart is easiest (especially this time of year) in the 5:00 - 7:00 am time frame. They've completed a lot of the restocking (no climbing over pallets, for this old gal......lol), but haven't yet gotten busy for the day. When I get ready to go shopping, I usually pick a day to get up ultra early and get it done; not always all at Wal Mart.....
Like everyone else, I wish I could avoid stores, altogether, this time of year, because the rude, crude crowds drive me insane. In recent years, I've often done a good share of my shopping online, which allows me to avoid the madness.
We shop at Wal Mart for a lot of things, because the prices are lower. Why should I pay $4 for a bottle of shampoo at the grocery or drug store, when I can get the same bottle for $1.98 at Wal Mart? We have a favorite grocery store that offers a lot of "BOGO's" (Buy one/Get one), so don't buy a lot of groceries at Wal Mart.
I'm sure it varies, depending on the area you're in, but I've found that shopping in my local Wal Mart is easiest (especially this time of year) in the 5:00 - 7:00 am time frame. They've completed a lot of the restocking (no climbing over pallets, for this old gal......lol), but haven't yet gotten busy for the day. When I get ready to go shopping, I usually pick a day to get up ultra early and get it done; not always all at Wal Mart.....
Like everyone else, I wish I could avoid stores, altogether, this time of year, because the rude, crude crowds drive me insane. In recent years, I've often done a good share of my shopping online, which allows me to avoid the madness.
For truly rude crowds I don't think anything beats Costco on a weekend, at least in my city. Honestly, I was there last saturday and complete road rage in the parking lot and very very angry people in the store itself. All I could think of while trying to do my shopping was that I was very very glad no one seemed to be armed..yikes!
One year . . . I lost my mind and thought I would go to Toys R Us when they opened at midnight on Thanksgiving. I was seriouslly scrimping pennies and they advertise all these deals that sound fabulous so I put my boys to bed, kissed my husband good night and headed to Toys R Us.
I've NEVER seen anything like it. Once i was in the snarl of traffic, I couldn't get back out. I was stuck for over an hour just in a small patch of area by toys r us. I realized this was NOT going to be a good idea. Then the only way to get back out was to go into the parking lot and drive around the store---- I could see the line of people waiting to get in. I saw men AND women shoving each other. I saw the police there. They all saw my tail lights as I headed back out to go home! Read in the paper the next day that there was a fight in THAT parking lot with a weapon and a pregnant employee got punched.
I went back the next day around 5 pm (which actually, as one of my very first jobs ever was working at the mall in a department store . . . and I did that on and off for years to earn some extra income---- DINNER TIME is the best time to hit a mall. Between 4:45 and 5:45--- you should always be able to get a parking spot!! And the stores are not too crowded then.) the next day and honest to goodness, this humongous store looked like a tornado hit it. Empty shelves, trash in the aisles, deshelved employees.
That is my AVOID BLACK FRIDAY at all costs story. Fa la la la LA
I've NEVER seen anything like it. Once i was in the snarl of traffic, I couldn't get back out. I was stuck for over an hour just in a small patch of area by toys r us. I realized this was NOT going to be a good idea. Then the only way to get back out was to go into the parking lot and drive around the store---- I could see the line of people waiting to get in. I saw men AND women shoving each other. I saw the police there. They all saw my tail lights as I headed back out to go home! Read in the paper the next day that there was a fight in THAT parking lot with a weapon and a pregnant employee got punched.
I went back the next day around 5 pm (which actually, as one of my very first jobs ever was working at the mall in a department store . . . and I did that on and off for years to earn some extra income---- DINNER TIME is the best time to hit a mall. Between 4:45 and 5:45--- you should always be able to get a parking spot!! And the stores are not too crowded then.) the next day and honest to goodness, this humongous store looked like a tornado hit it. Empty shelves, trash in the aisles, deshelved employees.
That is my AVOID BLACK FRIDAY at all costs story. Fa la la la LA
Your black friday is the equivalent of our Boxing Day (day after Christmas). Not only are there great deals to be had, they made it a statutory holiday. I would take advantage in my younger years...now I find myself in cold sweats at the mere thought of heading to a mall or any store on Boxing Day. We stay home and eat leftovers.....just not worth it! Insanity I tell you.
Whomever came up with 'black friday' or the same idea after boxing day is masochistic!
Plus, they advertise these awesome deals but they put only a few in the stores in my experience. They get ya in the store and you are in such a 'get a deal' frenzy that you buy something else than you went there for.
Never works out for me.
I too spend those days doing something 'else'.
Plus, they advertise these awesome deals but they put only a few in the stores in my experience. They get ya in the store and you are in such a 'get a deal' frenzy that you buy something else than you went there for.
Never works out for me.
I too spend those days doing something 'else'.
We have Labor Laws such as Minimum Wage Discrimination, etc. that all companies must abide by. If they are abiding under these rules (they are) and someone is not happy with the job, find another one.
I’m underpaid at my job. I was out of work for about 6 months and took about a 30% pay cut. I know they are taking advantage of me but I damned sure am not going to lose my job over it. When the opportunity comes, I will move on but in the mean time I will be grateful I have a Job.
I’m underpaid at my job. I was out of work for about 6 months and took about a 30% pay cut. I know they are taking advantage of me but I damned sure am not going to lose my job over it. When the opportunity comes, I will move on but in the mean time I will be grateful I have a Job.
I'm in a similar pinch. 6 years without a raise and feel as if I am being taken advantage of. With that said, this time of year there isn't a whole bunch going on and I sure as hell am not going to lose my job over this. Decent paying jobs around here are pretty hard to come by..... I'm very grateful to have this job and equally grateful that the people I work for still have faith in me.
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