The December 23rd Black Friday Walmart strike in the US is about dignity and fairness for Walmart workers and an end to Walmart retaliation when they speak out for those reasonable and just demands. It is informal and decentralized, yet has proven to be exceptionally effective – perhaps for those very reasons.
I am writing this from Canada in solidarity with US Walmart workers and the incredible courage and sheer brilliance they have shown in organizing these actions that are capturing the hearts and minds of so many. It is also recognition that this strike has major implications outside the US, as there are 300+ stores in Canada and thousands in Mexico and other parts of the world.
I’ll aim to keep updating this list and if I have miss any important pieces, organizations, etc…, please let me know! —dp
THE KEY PLAYERS
Our Walmart – OUR Walmart is an organization of, by, and for current and former Walmart Associates and is heavily involved in organizing the Black Friday actions. Be sure to check out their website for a much richer understanding of what they are doing and why they are doing it.
Making Change at Walmart – Anchored by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), Making Change at Walmart is a coalition of Walmart associates, union members, small business owners, religious leaders, women’s advocacy groups, community groups, multi-ethnic coalitions, elected officials, and ordinary citizens who believe that changing Walmart is vital for the future of our country (and the world).
THE BACKGROUND
Why We Should All Care About the Walmart Strikers
How to change Walmart – Background and action guide in GIF form!
Black Friday Strike Will Test the Power of High-Stakes Online Organizing
Walmart Organizing Comes of Age: An Interview With UFCW Organizing Director Pat O’Neill
Walmart Ex-Employee Was Handcuffed in Front of Workers
http://www.democracynow.org/embed/story/2012/11/21/wal_mart_accused_of_threatening_workers
COMMENTARY
Walmart’s historic first strike: American workers are on the move
Limits to the Low-Road Business Model [PDF]
Wal-Mart Is Scared to Death, Scared to Look at Its Own Angry Employees
LIFE AT WAL-MART (Gawker Series)
NEWS FROM OCTOBER ROUND #1 OF THE STRIKE
http://www.democracynow.org/embed/story/2012/10/10/walmart_workers_in_12_states_stage
Walmart Strike Memo Reveals Confidential Management Plans
Hundreds of Disgruntled Walmart Employees Rally Outside Home Office [with video]
Union Leader Banned From Walmart After Action Campaign
Walmart worker strikes go viral, hitting 28 stores in 12 states
WALMART COMPANY NEWS
Investors not protesting Wal-Mart. Stock at all-time high.
Walmart’s Billionaire Owners $1.6 Billion Richer As Big-Box Giant Takes On Banks