Kudos to Kossack "tvb," who managed to find something I've been looking for for a month: the web site of the new Wal-Mart Workers Association. If you don't know about it, read
her diary, but the short version is that it's a dues-paying worker group that is trying to improve the situation for Wal-Mart workers without direct association with an outside union.
My favorite part of the site is where Wal-Mart workers tell their stories. Here are some good examples:
I have been at Wal-Mart 1 year. I have been a door greeter and now I work in the deli. I join this organization to better Wal-Mart and tell other associates about Wal-Mart Workers Association because other associates have a lot of fear. When you walk in to go to work in Wal-Mart you never know if you're still hired or fired. The open-door policy is like the open and shut policy. I was hurt on the job when a rotisserie pan fell on my leg and foot. I hop around and it still hurts. Wal-Mart picked the doctors and they say nothing is wrong so Workman's Compensation won't pay anymore.
and
My name is Donna Payton. I'm a department manager. I've worked at Wal-Mart for 15 months. I joined the Wal-Mart Workers Association so I could bring a voice to what the associates at Wal-Mart deal with on a daily basis. People should join because there is strength in numbers, because we can bring changes for the people who work at Wal-Mart and will work at Wal-Mart. I am unable to afford medical benefits for my children and the low wages make it hard for me to pay bills, like rent.
and
My name is Belva Whitt. I have worked at Wal-Mart for 1 year and 6 months and I'm here to stand up for people everywhere. Wal-Mart changed my hours from full-time to part-time. I had to handwrite my schedule. My family works at Wal-Mart and we only have one car, but we aren't scheduled at the same time. I can't get to work. The hours they've given me are from 6:00 pm to 1:15 am. I cannot work at night because I cannot find a sitter.
Not only are there people on this site who still work at Wal-Mart and who are willing to give their names, they post their pictures too! The first step on the road to beating a bully is to tell them that you aren't afraid anymore. Seriously, this isn't some anonymous message board. Knowing that they're risking their livelihoods makes it quite moving.
The Wal-Mart workers revolution has begun people and they aren't going to be able to stop it now.
JR
