If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
Every year, Wal-Mart has to dispose of millions of dollars worth of customer returns, buy-backs, over-stocks, shelf-pulls, scratch-and-dent, and excess inventories. The retailer sells this merchandise to liquidators -- and the workers used to strip these products clean are often prisoner laborers.
America is becoming more unequal by the day. So wouldn't it be sensible to encourage unionization at fast-food and big-box retailers? Yes, but here's the problem.
A fire swept through a sweatshop in Bangladesh on Nov. 24, killing at least 112 people, nearly half of whom were unidentifiable and buried in a mass grave. The sweatshop, which produced brand-name garments for major retail outlets such as Walmart and Sears, has been described as a deathtrap.
You could create your own worldwide stimulus plan just by doing the right thing for those you employ who are in need. Simply provide what these dedicated workers have earned and deserve.
In fact, taking inflation into account, the highest minimum wage occurred in 1968, when it was the equivalent of $10.38/hour in today's dollars, which means that the real minimum wage has actually declined. This presents three big problems.
While in Seoul I witnessed the result of our global economy. But more than this, I witnessed the world wide connection of the work I do with the homeless in Chicago. By organizing low wage workers, we are part of a world wide struggle for justice.
These are important numbers to wrap your head around, but what do they really mean for countries and companies? How fast do we have to change?
I did not spend Thanksgiving evening with my wife and my five children. I spent it, instead, handing out turkey sandwiches to workers in Walmart. And showing my support for one brave soul who walked off the job in protest against exploitation.
I bought some underwear the other day at Walmart. I felt pretty good about the price. The package of three was a national name, all cotton. It was che...
American capitalism requires workers. Workers, young and old, require health care. We can't allow them to be treated like inhuman resources, that can be consumed, and the residue conveniently and cheaply disposed of.
I am thankful for my seven years of employment at Walmart in Miami because so many other friends can't find work. But I am more thankful for all of my fellow co-workers who have made the hard decision to stand up for our rights.
The widening inequality reflected in the gap between the pay of Walmart workers and the returns to Walmart investors, including the Walton family, haunts the American economy.
Wanted: Store Associates who will work for low pay, poor working conditions, erratic schedules -- including working on Thanksgiving Day -- and not enough hours to qualify for health care.
We don't need online petitions to stop Walmart. We just need to stop participating in it. All of it. Don't shop on the new Black Thursday. Silence the Christmas carols. Keep the decorations in the attic. And join me in saying "Bah Humbug!"
Imagine an apocalyptic scenario with 500 people simultaneously looting a hardware store for the same supplies. You now understand Black Friday. Below are some essential practices that will give you a chance at getting what you want, without risking death.
After Hurricane Sandy, the retail industry quickly began assisting those who have had their homes and lives damaged. Some are boutiques that regularly give to charity and made special donations; others are larger corporations donating more than $1 million.
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