The prayer vigil is part of a 40-city campaign across the nation being held today with direction from Wake Up Wal-Mart, a union-funded organization which opposes several of the corporation's employment practices. The campaign against the Bentonville, Ark.-based retail giant is time to the holiday buying season.
A press release from Wake-Up Wal-Mart, which is supported and financed by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), a union that tried to organize Wal-Mart workers several years ago, said that local community leaders and faith-based leaders are expected to help direct the prayer vigil this evening.
The organization, which has accused Wal-Mart of violating wage and hour regulations, of failing to pay workers adequate wages and health benefits and of discriminating against its female workers, has been able to attract public appearances by potential Democratic presidential candidates John Edwards and Barak Obama.
Akaluek Nurack, of Des Moines Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, said those who attend will pray for Wal-Mart employees and for a change in what they deem immoral corporate practices on the corporation's part.
"This is peaceful," Nurack said. "We don’t plan to disrupt anyone’s shopping or anything like that.
The public is invited to attend the vigil.
