UPDATE! -- Walmart Suspends SupplierA few weeks ago, workers at CJ’s Seafood, a supplier to Walmart, went on strike. Their employer forced them to for 15-24 hours straight, illegally underpaid them, threatened them and their families with violence, and even demanded that they take care of his children for free while he and his wife went to a casino.
In response, Walmart opened an investigation into the alleged forced labor on their supply chain. That same day, they closed it. They weren’t even trying.
Meanwhile, an independent investigation by the Workers’ Rights Consortium confirmed “systematic violations of labor law and grossly inhumane treatment” at the Walmart supplier, saying that conditions “rival any sweatshop in China or Bangladesh.” Civil rights veteran Rev. Al Sharpton met with the workers, calling the situation “shocking,” and offered the support of his National Action Network. The story has been featured in numerous media outlets, including an expose in The Guardian.
Since the strike, the workers have gathered over 140,000 signatures on a petition and delivered them to the penthouse of Walmart board member Michelle Burns.
Even after all of this, Walmart still refuses to negotiate with the workers about steps to end forced labor on its supply chain.
That’s why the workers are holding a 24-hour fast this Saturday, June 30, in front of Walmart board member Michelle Burns’ penthouse apartment in NYC —one hour for every hour of the 24-hour shifts they were forced to work.
These courageous workers need our support. Please take a moment to write a message below to the fasting workers. You can even sign up to fast in solidarity with the workers.
We’ll read out every one of your messages of support, showing that they’re not alone in their fight to end forced labor on Walmart’s U.S. supply chain.
July 2, 2012
As the fast began on Saturday morning, the New York Times featured news that Walmart suspended its contract with CJs Seafood pending an investigation.
This is a major step forward in our campaign to bring justice to Walmart's supply chain. While Walmart still refuses to meet with the workers, by reopening their investigation into the seafood supplier, Walmart has admitted that violations of workers' rights may be occuring on their supply chain.
Thanks to everyone that sent messages of solidarity and support to these courageous workers, and especially thanks to the over 500 folks that fasted in solidarity!
We were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of kind words and well wishes. Together, we showed these workers that they are not alone.
Now that the 24-hour fast has ended with a major step forward, our submission form is now closed. Thank you once again!
Jobs with Justice is a national network of local coalitions that bring together labor unions, faith groups, community organizations, and student activists to fight for working people. Our members are in the streets in 46 cities in 24 states across the country.
