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Reporter: Phil Levin Email

VIDEO REPORT: Labor Group Plans Black Friday Rally at Monona Walmart

A labor group is planning a rally outside a local Walmart on Black Friday, as strike rumors circulate.

The Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice will gather outside the Monona Walmart Friday morning in support of the company's workers, who are fighting against inconsistent hours and medical costs, among other concerns.

"The way the normal narative goes, on Friday it's how much got sold, who got the best deal, and maybe who got trampled on their way to the best deal," said Field Organizer Becky Schigiel. "We would like it to be who's working, who stood behind the register, who stocked that stuff and can they support their families?"

The Coalition will gather at 9 a.m. as rumors of several walkouts continue at stores as close as Milwaukee.

"We think our workers are getting some really bad advice from the unions because while they do have rights and we respect those rights. There are some actions that we will take if people don't follow our company policies," said Walmart Spokesperson David Tovar.

Retailers are also facing criticism about opening earlier. Walmart, along with stores including Target and Sears, will open at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving, forcing many employees to come in even earlier and work during the holiday meal. On Monday, a petition lined with 350,000 signatures was delivered to Target's headquarters. The company said staff working the holiday will be paid extra.


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  • by Name Location: Location on Nov 21, 2012 at 01:04 PM
    Being a former Wal-Mart employee I can say that employees were paid well. As an assistant manager I made just shy of 60K a year. But, like many I got tired of the environment and hours and I don't work there anymore. If these employees hate Wal-Mart so much then just find a new job and quit. There are opportunities out there for those who want to put the time and effort in to going back to school or job hunting. For all those that complain about the hours of business around Black Friday or feel bad about the employees working those hours, just remember: you, the consumer, are responsible. You go out early in the morning the day after Thanksgiving or even the night of Thanksgiving to find the best deals. Without you, there would be no Black Friday...think about it. I have not stepped foot in a store during Black Friday since my Wal-Mart days and never will...what about you?
  • by Name Location: Location on Nov 21, 2012 at 11:24 AM
    Why make empty threats of a strike?? They threatend the same thing last year and it didn't happen.
  • by RDog1 Location: Sun Prairie on Nov 21, 2012 at 09:31 AM
    Instead of rallies against employers, these labor groups should be, or rather should have been, up in arms against "Obamacare"!! The inevitable result, and only viable CHOICE for employers other than more massive cuts in their workforce, which would also mean a massive cut in the hours that retailers like Walmart could be open by the way, is to reduce hours below the 30 hour per week defined "Full Time" workweek, requiring payment of fines, or providing increased levels of health insurance. It's a "No Brain-er" for the employers to avoid bankruptcy and even MORE lost jobs! Instead, you so called "Labor" groups (In this case just another Marxist phoney "social justice" group!), were instrumental in re-electing the muslim Sheik in Chief!! Just wait to see all the OTHER Marxist agendas he throws at you now that will do the MOST harm to those at the lowest income levels also!!
  • by Name Location: Location on Nov 21, 2012 at 01:02 AM
    When will the corporate greed stop? Everyone likes to purchase items on sale, everyone likes to make money. Why not have a sale that runs from 6-9pm the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving? Why disrupt family time over some sales?

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