by DC Jobs with Justice | Oct 20, 2012 | Walmart: Respect DC
Last weekend Walmart announced that it will delay opening six stores in the District of Columbia. Walmart spokesman Steven Restivo told the Washington Post that “we’re using the extra time to further engage with the neighborhoods that surround our stores and build even more support for Walmart,”. Walmart, which had originally planned to open four stores by the end of the year, now says the first store – most likely at the corner at Georgia and Missouri avenues in Northwest – won’t open until late 2013, with the others in 2014 and beyond.“Walmart would not be altering its original timeline if company executives did not believe it needed more time to convince District residents that low-wage poverty jobs that can force workers to rely on public assistance are what D.C. needs,” said Dyana Forester of Respect DC. The Respect DC Coalition has been pushing the big-box retailer to sign a legally binding Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). If you would like more information on how you can become involved in the Respect DC campaign visit www.respectdc.org or click on the Walmart:Respect DC icon on our...
by DC Jobs with Justice | Jun 28, 2012 | Actions & Events, Campaigns, Walmart: Respect DC
Respect DC Town Hall, June 29th 11:30am-1:30pm Teamsters Labor History Research Center at George Washington University’s Gelman Library, 2130 H St NW, 7th floor (near the Foggy Bottom Metro). First, thank you all for your hard work as we have brought the fight to Walmart this spring. Our visits to Walmart stores in May as part of the Walmart at 50 tour had a huge impact, along with our massive parade and rally, as Walmart went into their shareholders meeting with their backs against the wall. And we aren’t stopping! Our next big event will be next Friday, June 29th, from 11:30am-1:30pm at the Teamsters Labor History Research Center at George Washington University’s Gelman Library, 2130 H St NW, 7th floor (near the Foggy Bottom Metro). To sign up contact organizer@respectdc.org! Walmart has already started running ads and talking about their 50th anniversary this year, and will be kicking their PR machine into high gear starting the week of July 4th about how great Walmart has been for America. We know this isn’t true, we know what Walmart’s track record really is, and we need to keep up the pressure on them to...
by DC Jobs with Justice | May 29, 2012 | Actions & Events, Campaigns, Walmart: Respect DC
Join the parade and festival to tell Walmart to Respect DC! Thursday, May 31, 11am-2pm, Meet at 801 New Jersey Ave NW, or get on the bus from the Gallery Place Metro (7th and H NW). rnrnJust last month Walmart announced they are delaying store openings in DC by a year, with their annual share holder meeting coming up June 1st and 2nd, now is the time to act! We need you out in numbers in the streets demonstrating your support! Walmart needs to know they must RESPECT DC or STAY OUT!rnrnWe will be holding a huge, festive, parade through DC to showcase the changes Walmart needs to make if they want to come into our city. We will have convertibles, floats, stilt walkers, face painters, clowns, motorcycles, bikes and more. We will be marching from the proposed Walmart at 801 New Jersey Ave., NW to their DC offices at 8th and G Street, NW, where we will have street party.rnrnTo RSVP for yourself or your organization (and to register your parade float or other vehicle), contact Mike at organizer@respectdc.org / mike@dcjwj.org or 202-255-7974 or Dyana at dyana@dcjwj.org or...
by DC Jobs with Justice | Jul 18, 2011 | Campaigns, Walmart: Respect DC
rnrnOn Saturday afternoon, shopper at the Laurel, MD Walmart were treated to a surprise rendition of Aretha’s Franklin’s “Respect,” courtesy of Respect DC. More than 70 activist participated in the flash mob, urging Walmart to respect its workers and DC communities. The flash mob was led by members of the District Circus Marching Band, featuring Kristen Arant on drums and vocals. DC JwJ Student Action Project coordinator Isaiah Toney accompanied on sax and SongRise’s Vera Leone provided back-up vocals. rnrnMany associates at the Laurel store are members of the new associate-led Organization United for Respect at Walmart (OUR WALMART). Last month nearly 100 associates from across the country traveled to Bentonville, Arkansas to speak directly to company executives to ask for respect and dignity at jobs that pay fairly and guarantee workers a voice. They were able to speak with Senior Vice President, Global Labor Relations Karen Casey about their issues and concerns in the workplace while Casey made promises of no retaliation against those associates who were present.rnrnTo sign the petition to support Walmart Associates and their organizing campaign go to http://tinyurl.com/3fb7fsarnrnFor more information about the Respect DC campaign, visit www.respectdc.org.rnrnDon’t forget to “like” Respect DC on facebook:rnhttp://www.facebook.com/#!/RespectDCrnrnAnd “follow” us on twitter:...
by DC Jobs with Justice | Apr 25, 2011 | Campaigns, Walmart: Respect DC
On April 21st, the Living Wages Healthy Communities coalition held a press conference outside Walmart’s DC office in Chinatown to demand that they put their promises in writing by signing an enforceable Community Benefits Agreement. rnrn“Walmart’s wages are pathetic,” said Ernestine Bassett, a DC resident and cashier worker at a Laurel, MD Walmart for over four years. “I started at $9.50 per hour, and after four years I’m up to $10.70 per hour. You can’t raise a family on what Walmart pays.” rnrnThe 70 demonstrators heard from speakers from a broad range of community organizations, including the DC Jobs Council, Wider Opportunities for Women, the Re-Entry Network for Returning Citizens and several local churches, who are part of the city-wide coalition that has been demanding that Wal-Mart negotiate a binding citywide agreement with Wal-Mart to “provide enforceable community benefits,” if the global retailer expands to DC. rnrn“If they are coming into DC, then everything they’ve promised needs to be put in writing,” added Bassett. When coalition members asked to visit Walmart’s office, building security said that no one was available to meet with them. “It’s amazing when someone says and promises they want to be a good neighbor, but never actually wants to meet their neighbor,” said Rev. Jarvis Johnson, co-pastor of the New Prospect Family Praise and Worship Center in DC. “We came this time with an olive branch, but we’re not willing to be stepped on, we’re not willing to be crucified, and we will be back.” Rev. Johnson read the community agreement into a microphone directed at Walmart’s office, saying “We’re willing to work with you...
