BLACK FRIDAY
Wal-Mart strike could put damper on Black Friday
Wal-Mart is set to open soon with big door-buster sales, but will a promised strike from some employees put a damper on the festivities?
For diehard retail shoppers, the true day of thanks of almost here.
“I’m waiting,” says one shopper. “That’s why I’m here early. Waiting for 8 o’clock or 10 o’clock.”
Breece Sydany of Lanham is ready for the sales to begin tonight at 8 p.m. sharp.
“I’m here for the TV’s, the 60-inch for $668. Great deal,” says Sydany.
But as Black Friday approaches, so does a possible dark cloud hanging over Wal-Marts nationwide: the possibility of a strike.
A labor-supported group, Our Wal-Mart, is threatening to protest the store’s opening at 8 p.m. Thursday night, arguing against what they call “unfair working conditions,” plus what they say are low wages and the lack of benefits for too many part-time employees.
“I have a family I got to take care of and bills I got to pay,” says Michael Wilkins, who works at Wal-Mart.
“This is a very small contingent of associates being propped up the unions to make these claims,” says David Tovar, VP of Communications for Wal-Mart.
While shoppers sympathize with workers’ concerns, they also see the risk.
“Everybody needs their job and a company as big as Wal-Mart has the resources to replace you,” says one shopper.
Wal-Mart employee Michael Bryant says the walkout is not for him.
“The only strike I’m getting is the one at the bowling alley.”
Would you like to contribute to this story? Join the discussion.
RecommendedRecent Facebook Activity
Only On 7
-
Team up with the Home Team afternoons at 4 on ABC7
"Katie" weekdays at 4pm on ABC7 followed by Leon Harris and Alison Starling on ABC7 News at 5. Click here to find out more about "Katie!"
Photo Galleries Pictures from around the region
-
Cynné Simpson on Anderson Live: ABC7 anchor cohosts with Anderson Cooper
-
Top 10 worst airports for flight delays
-
PHOTOS: 2012 Anime USA convention









27 Comments
MORE COMMENTSPost a Comment