Immediate Release

Contact: Chris Kofinis (202) 486-6422

WakeUpWalMart.com Releases Statement on Human Rights Watch Report of Wal-Mart’s Anti-Union Policies

The following statement is attributable to Chris Kofinis, Communications Director for WakeUpWalMart.com:

“Today, Human Rights Watch, one of the most prestigious human rights organizations in the world, released a devastating report that shines light on Wal-Mart’s anti-union, anti-family, and anti-worker policies. This exhaustive report not only exposes the depth of Wal-Mart’s anti-union behavior, but also proves that behind Wal-Mart’s publicity stunts, empty talk of “change,” and rhetoric of “happy workers,” lies the terrible reality of threats, intimidation, and fear. If anyone ever doubted how far Wal-Mart is willing to go to deny hard-working Americans and their families a better life, they need only read this report to be reminded of the truth. The report makes it obvious that changing Wal-Mart is about fighting to protect and defend the human rights of 1.39 million Wal-Mart Associates and their families.

The time has come for Wal-Mart to stop the empty rhetoric and realize that only through real and substantive change can they hope to repair the damage they have done to their Associates’ lives and their company’s bottom line. As we have said, repeatedly, there is only one path of real change and it begins by sitting down with us and working together to create a better Wal-Mart and a better America.”