With today’s news that the showdown between the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union and Hostess will lead to a liquidation of the company, many are anxiously wondering which business might be the next domino to fall. Could it be Walmart?
https://twitter.com/BCAgee/status/269568486639038464
Probably not. But rumors of a Black Friday strike by employees of the world’s largest retailer are centering around locations in and around Chicago, Miami, Milwaukee and Washington, D.C. Unemployment was a cornerstone of both presidential campaigns, but it seems there are fates worse than having no job, and one of those is working for Walmart.
https://twitter.com/Ejayjones3/status/269515697393127424
Walmart – if effect, they are modern day slave owners.
— David Alan Kjoller (@tuxxie2) November 16, 2012
Good for the Employees of #Walmart That shit hole has had a strike coming for a long long time #walmartstrike Stay strong and Keep faith
— Nick Kengel (@kengel55) November 16, 2012
https://twitter.com/SRQ2U/status/269455128992550912
Walmart is preparing for the possibility. According to Reuters, the retailer has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union that would preclude picket lines at stores.
Wal-Mart files unfair U.S. labor practice charge over protests http://t.co/lQXi6Nm4
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 16, 2012
Activities over the past year or longer “have caused disruptions to Walmart’s business, resulted in misinformation being shared publicly about our company, and created an uncomfortable environment and undue stress on Walmart’s customers, including families with children,” Walmart outside counsel Steven Wheeless said in a letter sent on Friday to Deborah Gaydos, assistant general counsel of the UFCW.
The usual suspects are lining up to lend their support, including other national unions, Occupy Wall Street and progressive groups.
Help spread the word about #walmartstrikers: Donate your Twitter account on #BlackFriday. Sign up here: http://t.co/3b1RB7uG #1u
— SEIU (@SEIU) November 16, 2012
NEWS: @ColorofChange Demands Walmart Execs Address Worker Abuses Ahead of Black Friday Strikes http://t.co/yzBVBgtp
— ColorOfChange (@ColorOfChange) November 16, 2012
Find a local WalMart Black Friday Strike to support when you search by zip code here: http://t.co/8oGO7nA3 #ows #occupy
— Occupy Wall Street (@OccupyWallSt) November 14, 2012
Walmart Strike Spreads to Texas as Organizers Promise Massive Black Friday Protest http://t.co/XILwMH5Y #WalmartStrikers #ChangeWalmart
— Anonymous (@Occupy_Oklahoma) November 16, 2012
https://twitter.com/Mike_hugs/status/269571180820828160
Perhaps it’s the shock of the Hostess liquidation settling in, or simply a matter of timing, as millions find themselves entering yet another holiday season without employment. While some were hoping to snatch up bargains on Black Friday, others think a strike might lead to some job openings.
@jess_kutch thanks for the heads up about Walmart workers on strike on Black Friday. I know several out of work people who need those jobs.
— Mrs. Hughes (@OnTheVirgo) November 16, 2012
If Walmart employees threaten to go on strike on Black Friday, they should just know another 18,500 workers are looking for a job right now.
— Reality TV Bites (@RealityTVBites_) November 16, 2012
https://twitter.com/Veritas388/status/269545288442716160
https://twitter.com/Mike_Behrens/status/269276176814571520
https://twitter.com/_iSmileBack_/status/269461116206338048
https://twitter.com/M_Holt33/status/268415659686363136
Welcome to the 2012 holiday season.
Our country is in shambles! No More fucking TWINKIES!? Walmart strike on "black friday"? PAPA JOHN? APPLEBEES? the list Goes on!
— MAMY1776 (@MAMY1776) November 16, 2012
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