Pico Rivera Walmart strike - Several protesting Walmart employees were momentarily detained by the police in LA this Thursday after they thronged out into the street and blocked traffic at Paramount and Washington Boulevards.
The arrest occurred during a sit-down protest by employees of the Pico Rivera Walmart. Walmart employees nationwide have been planning a protest for Black Friday. Commentators say the Pico Rivera Walmart strike presages the sort of demonstration workers of the retail chain are planning to stage.
The protest, which is being organized by Black Friday Protests and OUR Walmart, is aimed at forcing the management of the multinational corporation to increase the wage of employees to $15/hour and guarantee them full time working hours. At least one employee has also noted that she is protesting against alleged retaliation by Walmart, against people who speak up about perceived injustices in the company.
On Thursday, workers of the Pico Rivera Walmart commenced the highly anticipated 2014 Black Friday Walmart Protests. Employees from the store posted pictures of fellow protesters seated on the floor with green duck-tape across their lips along with the tag #Walmartstrikers. The protesters also held banners, which expressed their cause and invited others to join the demonstration.
Sometime in the afternoon, the protesters, who had erstwhile stayed in the Pico Rivera Walmart store, began to throng outside. Sources say some protesters removed the duck-tape from their lips and began chanting declamatory slogans against Walmart.
The Pico Rivera Walmart protesters reportedly formed a circle in the middle of the intersection and continued their sit-down strike. It was at this point that the cops took the protesters in. LA County Sheriff Department has revealed that the 23 Pico Rivera Walmart protesters were released after receiving citations.
As the police took the protesters into custody, a group of supporters and onlookers gathered on the scene. Some of the Pico Rivera Walmart protesters attempted to continue the sit-in inside of the store.
Many commentators have expressed solidarity with the Pico Rivera Walmart strike. Others have warned that their demands could easily force the company to opt for a massive layoff.
Meanwhile, Walmart has released a statement that highlights the "unparalleled advancement opportunities" it offers to employees, including cash. The company has not commented on the Pico Rivera Walmart arrests and the impending Black Friday Walmart Protests.
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