Employee rights group OUR Walmart has organized its third-annual labor strike scheduled for Black Friday in an effort to bring attention to workers issues around the country.
"Walmart's low pay business model isn't working for our families, for our customers and for the company, but change is possible," Walmart employee Barbara Gertz said, according to a press release published by the group.
"Walmart needs to listen to workers like us about how to fix these problems by adding hours and improving pay so that we can get the job done. Threatening and firing us for speaking out about how to improve the stores is illegal and shortsighted. That's why I'm going on strike on Black Friday and why so many of my co-workers are joining me."
It has been reported that there will be over 1600 protests around the country that will bring attention to wage and benefits cuts. Additionally, advocates campaigning for $15 minimum wage hikes will support OUR Walmart's demonstration.
Perhaps the most frequently-mentioned complaint many have brought up in regards to the strike is the company's disparate financing: although the company continues to bring in $16 billion in revenue annually, there are increased efforts at paying workers less than $25,000 a year and cutting benefits.
Walmart officials, however, have historically been opposed to increased regulation on wage minimums and workers organizations. The company has frequently mentioned its devotion to job growth and creation, using inter-departmental cost-cutting techniques to do so.
"Shame on Walmart and the Waltons for creating a reality where many Walmart workers say they can't even afford to give their kids Thanksgiving dinner because of their low pay. As someone who has dedicated her career to helping children grow and achieve their dreams, that tears me apart," said teacher and AFT New Mexico President Stephanie Ly, according to the press release.
"This Black Friday, teachers, parents and students will all be out protesting at Walmart like never before saying we've had enough. Walmart needs to raise pay and provide full-time work now so workers can feed and support their families."
Walmart has not released an official public statement on the Black Friday strike.
