Laurel Walmart Makes Workers Pay for Storm Damage

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)The Respect DC Coalition is reporting “a serious situation… developing at the Walmart in Laurel, MD,” where workers have long been organizing for workplace respect through OUR Walmart. Management at the store has announced that they are cutting associates’ annual bonuses to make up for profit lost during last months’ storm. The store, like many others, lost power during the derecho storm and produce and meat spoiled. Associates told Respect DC organizers that management is passing this loss directly on to them by taking money out of their yearly bonus. "This is yet another example of the way Walmart breaks promises to its workers” says Respect DC organizer Mike Wilson, adding that this is further reason why “we cannot allow (Walmart) to enter DC without a signed Community Benefits Agreement that protects workers and community members.” Respect DC organizers are working with employees at the Laurel store to mobilize against the cuts. - photo of Respect DC “Walmart at 50” Parade on 5/31/2012 by Chris Garlock