Teamsters Congratulate Walmart Workers Who Stood Strong For A Raise And Better Hours

Hoffa Says 'When You Fight, You Can Win'

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Feb 19, 2015, 06:21 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Walmart workers who spoke out and took action won a raise for 500,000 Walmart workers nationwide. The workers and their families need better pay and regular hours from Walmart, a company that can afford it. Walmart last year earned $16 billion in profits, and it is run by a family with $150 billion in wealth.

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa congratulated the workers, whom Teamsters have supported since the first Black Friday strikes in 2012. "When you fight, you can win," Hoffa said. "I am so proud of the members of OUR Walmart for pushing Walmart to commit to raising their wages. I'm also proud of the thousands of Teamsters who stood side-by-side with them in the fight for justice."

Hoffa said he is concerned that Walmart is truly committed to improving jobs or simply seeking to quiet criticism. "The devil is in the details," Hoffa said. "More Walmart workers are reporting they aren't getting the hours they need. Does today's announcement mean they will?

"I'm also concerned that Walmart didn't say anything about the illegal firings of workers who spoke out for better jobs. Walmart needs to reinstate all workers who have been fired.

"The Teamsters will continue to support Walmart workers and all workers in the fight to earn fair pay for a full day's work," Hoffa said.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
Bret Caldwell (202) 624-6911
[email protected]

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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters