Walmart Strikers March Through Downtown DC

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Walmart strikers, backed by hundreds of supporters, marched through downtown DC at midday on Friday to protest the mega-retailer's ongoing attacks on workers who speak up. The festive demonstrators gathered in front of Union Station as curious tourists watched, including a group of monks in saffron robes, and then marched to the Walmart at H and 1st streets, chanting “Walmart workers under attack! What do we do? Stand up, fight back!” and "We want justice, We want respect." At the Walmart, security guards kept a nervous eye on things as the crowd of over 100 gathered around the main entrance and attempted to deliver a letter to store management. "Is it too much to ask that Walmart workers are treated fairly?" asked AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre, while UFCW Local 400 President Mark Federici lauded the Walmart strikers for their “courage and bravery.” Rev. Graylan Hagler of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ challenged the mega-retailer to reveal “how many good jobs, full-time jobs, have really been created for DC residents,” as Walmart and local political leaders promised when the DC Walmart stores were approved. The DC demonstration was part of a series of similar actions across the country last week leading up to Walmart’s shareholder meeting on Friday.
- report/photos by Chris Garlock  
Check out @dclabor and #walmartstrikers on Twitter for more photos and tweets.
CLICK HERE to see a short video of the event.