By Rachel Sandler, NOW/PAC Intern
NOW is partnering with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) to support the Making Change at Wal-Mart campaign. The campaign to make Wal-Mart a decent employer is more important than ever in the wake of the Wal-Mart v. Dukes decision. In June, the Supreme Court rejected the class action lawsuit that charged Wal-Mart with discriminating against its women associates, denying1.5 million current and former workers a chance at justice. NOW chapters around the country have stood strong against Wal-Mart’s unjust practices for a decade and are well-suited to make a difference in this campaign.
The Making Change at Wal-Mart campaign takes a fresh approach to much-needed reforms. The campaign is about creating strong workplace standards, corporate responsibility and respect on the job for Wal-Mart associates. The campaign goes deep into the policies of Wal-Mart that affect workers, beyond pay and promotion, to tackle additional important policies, such as scheduling, paid sick leave and health care.
Through this campaign, UFCW is promoting values of equality, dignity and respect. This campaign has the power to transform Wal-Mart — the nation’s largest retailer and the nation’s largest employer — into a good employer. What happens at Wal-Mart is critical to both the women’s movement and the labor movement. That’s why NOW is linking arms with UFCW in this important endeavor.