MILPITAS, California. – Thousands of Walmart workers and their union protested in front of 1,600 Walmart stores across the nation to demand a $15 an hour wage, full-time work, and better working conditions.
Filipinos joined more than 400 workers and their union who rallied in front of the Milpitas Walmart.
“They gave you more work and then less hours,” said Eddie Daguioan, a Filipino who has been employed by the company for eight years. “And then we got associates here 15 years who are still part-time. That hurts.”
Maria Sumagaysan said she has been overlooked and passed up for promotions by workers with less experience.
“The more you ask them, the more they take your hours, which is not fair,” said Samugaysan. “What is it all about? Is it discrimination? Favoritism or what? I challenge them. Look at my personal file. Look at my evaluation. I’m not perfect but I think I try my best to work hard for Walmart.”
Sumagaysan and disgruntled Filipino Walmart workers say want to represent those who are afraid to speak up.
“There are too many members in my store but they were afraid to stand up,” said Sumagaysan, who has been with the company for 15-years. “They are afraid to stand up because they are afraid to lose their jobs. That’s why they are not here. I’m standing up for the Filipino workers.”
“We stand up for them to give them courage and more of them are coming to join our Walmart association,” said Eddie Daguioan.
Walmart released a statement on their website regarding the Black Friday protests.
The biggest American employer states that the demonstrators were mainly composed of paid union demonstrators who do not represent actual Walmart workers.
Walmart management adds that the company will not be distracted by protests and will continue to provide their associates with opportunities for job growth.
While the $15 minimum wage is set to take effect in cities like Seattle and now San Francisco, protesters say they will continue to protest until changes come.
“Until the end,” added Daguioan. “I’m going to do it every time. We need it.”
Protesters did not want to stop anyone from shopping at Walmart, but they did speak with many customers during their march to inform them why they are protesting, and to bring more awareness to their cause.
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source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
