Wal-Mart has become much more than just a small corner store in rural America. In the past 10 years, Wal-Mart has grown into the largest retailer in the world -- number 1 among the Fortune 500 -- and is America's largest employer. With more than 1.4 million employees and over $10 billion in profits, Wal-Mart is a giant company with giant responsibilities. First and foremost, Wal-Mart has a responsibility to all America ns to set the standard for customers, workers and communities, and to help build a better America.
The truth is that Wal-Mart has let America down by lowering wages, forcing good paying American jobs overseas, and cutting costs with total disregard for the values that have made this nation great. Wal-Mart has needlessly exploited illegal immigrants, faces the largest gender discrimination lawsuit in history, forced workers to work in an unsafe environment, and -- incredibly -- broken child labor laws.
America's largest employer must reflect America's values. But, Wal-Mart will never change on its own. Lee Scott, Wal-Mart's CEO, mistakenly thinks he only answers to a few wealthy shareholders who own Wal-Mart stock. Lee Scott is wrong. Wal-Mart and Lee Scott must answer to the American people.
We are the ones who shop at Wal-Mart.
Together, we have the power to change Wal-Mart.
Together, we can hold Wal-Mart accountable and improve our America.
What is the "Wake-Up Wal-Mart" campaign all about?
Well, there are two visions for America: Wal-Mart's America, where profits come before people, and our vision, where people come first.
- In Wal-Mart's America, workers are paid poverty level wages even when they work full-time.
- In our America, workers are paid a living wage with proper health and retirement benefits.
- In Wal-Mart's America, wealthy companies shift their health care costs onto taxpayers like you and your families.
- In our America, corporations live up to their responsibility and provide their employees with adequate and affordable health care coverage.
- In Wal-Mart's America, suppliers are forced to make their goods cheaper even if it means shipping U.S. jobs overseas.
- In our America, we value U.S. jobs and companies that buy and sell "Made in America."
- In Wal-Mart's America, women are paid less than men.
- In our America, women and men are treated equally - fair pay for everyone.
Click here to learn more and take action.