Supporters rally for striking Walmart warehouse workers
By Cindy Wojdyla Cain ccain@stmedianetwork.com October 1, 2012 4:40PM
Hundreds of supporters of striking Walmart warehouse workers march Monday at the facility in Elwood. | Cindy Wojdyla Cain ~ Sun-Times Media
Updated: October 1, 2012 5:05PM
ELWOOD — Police arrested supporters of striking Walmart warehouse workers Monday afternoon when they blocked the entrance to the facility.
Several hundred supporters of striking workers had gathered in a parking lot across from the Walmart warehouse on Centerpoint Drive.
Several supporters had told The Herald-News they would be willing to be arrested in a act of civil disobedience.
Supporters rallied to highlight what they say are poor working conditions inside the Walmart warehouse.
Walmart officials deny the accusations and they say it is Warehouse Workers for Justice that is treating warehouse workers poorly.
“This isn’t really about Walmart at all,” said company spokesman Dan Fogleman. “... The union is focused on fulfilling its own agenda.”
WWJ came to Will County about three years ago to improve conditions for warehouse workers who complained they were shorted pay, worked as temps for years with no hope of being hired full time and they were quickly terminated if they got injured.
