Business & Tech

Local Protestors Take Wage Campaign to Manville Wal-Mart

Student group says its stands behind store's workers in bids for higher wages and better benefits.

While shoppers packed Manville's Wal-Mart store on Black Friday, a Belle Mead-based youth group stood outside the property with a large yellow banner urging the company to raise its workers' pay.

The protesters unfurled a 12-foot yellow banner that read: "SUPPORT RETAIL AND FOOD WORKERS—LIVABLE WAGES START AT $15—WORKERS NEED REGULAR HOURS / FULL BENEFITS—UNITY + ACTION = VICTORY."

The group, New Jersey Youth United Against War and Imperialism said its goal 
was to show the store's employees "the community stands with them."

“Walmart workers and other workers in retail and fast food need to know that the community stands with them and we are ready to back them up as they take on their employers with demands for livable wages, regular hours and full benefits," Bob Witanek, one of the protest's organizers, said. "Walmart actually coaches employees on how to apply for assistance and at some stores, they are taking a food collection for their own workers.  

"McDolnalds has a web page with tips on how to survive on the poverty wages they pay," he added. "We are sending a message to the work force that we got their backs and are ready to take up their demands, side by side, if and when they are ready to take action advocating for improved compensation and conditions.”

The protestors handed out letters which said the group is ready to support the store's employees "in whatever way we can."

 


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