U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown
Standing with Walmart Workers on Black Friday

Last Friday, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and other Members of Congress expressed support for Walmart workers who were calling for Walmart to end illegal retaliation against its employees and to publicly commit to improving working conditions by providing workers with more full-time work and a living wage.

Senators Sherrod Brown and Ed Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Judy Chu (D-CA), William Lacy Clay (D-MO), Gwen Moore (D-WI), and Jim McDermott (D-WA) issued the following statement:

“Across the country, there are countless Walmart workers who are paid poverty wages, cannot get enough hours, and have erratic work schedules that make it difficult to survive. Worse yet, as the National Labor Relations Board confirmed last week, Walmart has systematically and illegally retaliated against workers who have had the courage to stand up to improve working conditions.

Workers and their supporters held 1500 protests all over the nation. Pointing to the $17 billion in annual profits and the $144.7 billion wealth of the Walton family, the Black Friday protestors said Walmart can and should do more to improve jobs, and in turn, the economy.

“We stand with the courageous Walmart workers who are demanding better wages and an end to illegal retaliation. Walmart, the largest private employer in the United States, has a responsibility to their employees and our country to respect workers and their rights. No one should have to fear losing their jobs just for speaking up.

“With as many as 825,000 Walmart workers making less than $25,000 a year and a single Walmart store costing taxpayers nearly $1 million in public assistance, the need for change is clear. Taxpayers should not have to pick up the tab because Walmart refuses to pay workers a living wage.

“This holiday season we are proud to stand with the Walmart workers and their supporters who are protesting and calling on the company to do better. It is time that Walmart pays its workers a fair wage and stops trampling on their rights.”

Sen. Brown has fought for policies that strengthen Ohio’s middle class. A longtime advocate for living-wages, Sen. Brown also recently outlined efforts to ensure paid sick leave for workers with the Healthy Families Act.