Family Values @ Work Applauds Walmart Workers’ Victory

Calls on Walton Family to Make the Raise a Living Wage with Full-Time Hours

Washington, DC – Family Values @ Work, a network of coalitions in 21 states working to pass family-friendly workplace policies, applauded today’s announcement of a raise for 500,000 Walmart workers.

“We at Family Values @ Work salute the Walmart workers who have been marching and striking and risking retaliation from their employer for demanding a decent wage and full-time hours,” said Ellen Bravo, Executive Director of Family Values @ Work. “Today’s announcement of a wage increase by Walmart is a direct result of their courage and perseverance. More money in the pockets of half a million Walmart workers is a boost for their families and for our economy overall.

“But the raise falls short of what Walmart workers have called for. The company needs to move to the next step: make the new pay rate a living wage of $15 an hour. Make sure people have enough hours to support themselves and predictable schedules to manage their family responsibilities. Stop docking people’s pay when they are sick – current policy denies pay for the first day of illness, and leaves out part-time workers altogether. The company also needs to end retaliatory practices and re-hire those they fired who have spoken up for justice.

“Workers in OUR Walmart have understandably drawn support from shoppers, taxpayers and elected officials as well as scores of groups across the country. They know that as goes Walmart, so goes the nation. Under-valuing the very workers who produce $16 billion in profits is a bad business model. Walmart can continue to provide low prices without exploiting its workforce.”

Family Values @ Work is a network of coalitions in 21 states working to pass policies that value families at work such as paid sick days and affordable family leave. More information at https://familyvaluesatwork.org.