On Black Friday, more than
1,500 protests took place at Walmart stores around our country.
Organizers reported more than 100 arrests in civil disobedience
actions. The events centered around ‘ low wages, unethical treatment of
workers, and their history of trying to prevent employees from forming
unions. This year, thousands of workers and supporters joined the
protests – showing just how much the movement has grown since last
year’s Black Friday strikes, which included only 400 people.
The workers’
rights group Our Walmart does not yet have a count of exactly how many
workers joined events last Friday, but the group described the events as
“widespread, massive strikes and protests.” This growing movement is a
clear indication that workers – and their supporters – are fed up with
the low-wages and unfair treatment from Walmart and other corporations.
Employees of one of the largest companies on the planet shouldn’t have
to turn to government benefits to buy food or pay for housing. And,
taxpayers shouldn’t be subsidizing a company that refuses to pay people a
living wage.
It is a
privilege to do business in our nation, and our commons makes those huge
corporate profits possible in the first place. If corporations refuse
to pay workers what they deserve, then they shouldn’t have the right to
do business here. As Congress continues to slash social services, like
food stamps and heating assistance, life is getting harder and harder
for those trying to live on minimum wage.
Rather than sentencing the
poor to a life of hardship, it’s time take away these corporate
charters, and tell companies like Walmart that Americans won’t subsidize
their unethical wages. If Walmart refuses to pay workers enough to
survive on, than they should have no right to do business in our great
nation. It’s time to tell Walmart to pay a living wage, or face the
corporate death penalty. It’s that simple.
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