Author
Vinny Lombardo
Wake Up Wal Mart DOT COM, a grassroots coalition of labor and community activists, kicked off their "Take Wal-Mart Back to School Campaign" with a series of press conferences Wednesday, highlighting the retail giant's abuses. Workers Independent News correspondent Vinny Lombardo reports from Philadelphia.
JJ: "We urge citizens of Philadelphia, to buy school supplies at Wal-mart's competitors." :06
With more than 3,600 stores globally, Wal-Mart is the world's largest retailer. The company made over $10 billion dollars in 2004 profits. Jerry Jordan, staff director with Philadelphia Federation of Teachers says most of Wal-Mart's female employees make up to 15% less wages than male counterparts. He also charges the company with violating child labor laws.
JJ: "An internal audit by Walmart identified 1,371 child labor laws violations nationwide. Minors work too late at night, or during school hours, or working too many hours in a day." :15
Wendall Young, president of UFCW Local 1776 says when it comes to values, Wal-Mart gets an F.
WY: "This is a company that has no respect for the law, no respect for the workers, and no respect for the communities that they do business in." :05
Young says the company pays most workers at or near minimum wage. Coupled with a lack of health coverage, these poverty level wages, impact the public health care system.
WY: "All across the country, communities are learning that they can't afford the price of Wal-Mart, they can't afford to carry the half to two-thirds of the Walmart employees who go with out benefits and the taxpayers have to pay for them." :12
Lance Haver, consumer affairs director for the City of Philadelphia contends Wal-Mart's consumers should send the company a message that they care about their communities, and believe all jobs should pay a living wage and offer health insurance.
LH: "this year, when you go and buy those school supplies, put those morals, and your long term interest in your shopping cart.... and stay out of wal-marts."
WakeUpWalMart DOT COM hopes to have 150 thousand pledge cards signed by Labor Day weeekend.
Vinny Lombardo in Philadelphia, for Workers Independent News.