| U.S. Rep.-elect gives back |
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| Written by Daily Vidette Editorial Board |
| Wednesday, 28 November 2012 17:38 |
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Due to the increased hype of Black Friday sales at Walmart, shoppers who waited anxiously in lines after just finishing their Thanksgiving dinner may have forgotten about the recent news of the store’s low wages. However, Alan Grayson, U.S. House of Representative-elect, spent his Thanksgiving evening in Walmart supporting the underpaid workers. Instead of spending time with friends and family during the holiday, Grayson offered turkey sandwiches to Walmart employees as he feels that it is time to make a change regarding the store’s pay. As Grayson gave back to the employees, he observed one worker walk out of Walmart in protest against the mistreatment. Grayson explained that if all Walmart employees were to receive a 30 percent raise, the store “would still be profitable.” His knowledge of the exploitation of the workers encouraged him to support employees during this holiday season. “On Thanksgiving, knowing that Walmart employees were missing dinner with their families, we walked into the local Walmart and handed out dinner to them. “We gave them a paper bag that had three things in it: (a) a turkey sandwich, (b) a bag of chips and (c) a letter explaining their right to organize,” Grayson said in a Huffington Post article. Grayson’s intentions of going to the grocery store that Thursday was to first inform Walmart employees of their rights and of course to exhibit his support and prove that they were not without help. “Walmart accounts for more than 10 percent of all of the retail sales in the United States. It is the largest private employer in the world, with more than two million employees. “And even though those employees comprise barely 10 percent of its cost of doing business, Walmart exploits them mercilessly,” Grayson added. He and other people that were assisting him were quickly escorted out of the establishment by the manager. Grayson explained that as they were being led out of the store, a Walmart associate decided to walk out with them because she was unhappy with her employer’s unjust labor practices. He embraced the employee in support, and now questions who will win the fight between the large company and its employees who are now beginning to organize. Many people have been informed about the employee-exploiting company and are determined to avoid shopping there. However, will that be effective if Walmart is still receiving business from countless other people? It is essential for employees not only at Walmart but at any employer to understand their rights as workers and stand up for what they believe is right. |
