To: Rob Walton, Walmart President
Tell Walmart to Give Thanksgiving Back to Workers and Families!
I am disappointed at the announcement that Walmart stores will start sales at 8 pm on Thanksgiving Day to get a few steps in front of the competition. Walmart makes profits of more than 16 billion yearly. The company can afford to give its employees this holiday to spend with their families.
This early opening is one more example of Walmart’s disregard for its employees. As the largest employer in the country, Walmart could be setting a standard for businesses to value families, but instead, this is another Walmart policy decision that hurts the families of workers at its stores.
I urge you to give Walmart employees their holiday back. That’s why we’re here supporting workers and calling for change. Our country needs Walmart and big corporations to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Walmart has a responsibility as the country’s largest employer to create good jobs. Walmart can do the right thing, and give Thanksgiving back and allow workers to spend time with their families.
Why is this important?
This Thanksgiving, while millions of families plan to spend quality time with their loved ones, Walmart Associates have been told we will be stocking shelves and preparing for sales starting at 8pm. I have worked at the Walmart in Kenosha, Wisconsin for 24 years, and while I love my job, I cannot silently watch while my fellow Associates are forced to be away from their families on Thanksgiving.
My son is coming home from Afghanistan for the holiday, and I would be devastated if I had been scheduled to work. I see the disappointment and heartbreak in the eyes of my co-workers, especially those with young kids, who aren’t going to be able to share the holiday with their families.
This early start to Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving Day is one more example of Walmart’s disconnect with the workers who keep the stores running and the company’s disregard for all of our families. As the largest employer in the country, Walmart could be setting a standard for businesses to value families, but instead, this is one more Walmart policy decision that hurts our families.
Will you join me and tell Walmart to give Thanksgiving back to employees and their families by not starting sales on Thanksgiving Day?