50 Mile 'Wal-March' Ends at City Hall
Union workers held a rally Tuesday at City Hall to conclude their 50-mile, 6-day march supporting Walmart workers demanding improved pay and better working conditions.
The "Wal-March" was meant to raise awareness on the terrible working conditions in Southern California warehouses that work with major retailers such as Walmart.
"The process itself was very exhausting but at the same time it was worth it... To be completely honest, we showed more spirit in the last mile. Walmart has done nothing to beat me down," one worker said.
In a press release provided by Warehouse Workers United, the workers asked for "basic yet critical improvements on the job: fans to combat the 100 degree heat, functioning equipment, clean water, regular breaks, and an end to inhuman work quotas and retaliation for speaking up about safety conditions."
The workers started the march in Riverside on September 13. They slept on church floors and relied on various community organizations for help. They completed the remaining 1.5 miles from the Dolores Mission Church to Downtown Tuesday morning.
Mira Loma warehouse worker David Garcia said he had enough after getting hit by a forklift during work.
"Repeatedly I've told my supervisors to slow down the work but they wouldn't listen. I've got bruises inside my knees and my forearms and wrists," he said.
Warehouse Workers United helped support the march and key leaders came out to speak at City Hall.
"We want to say to Walmart, it's time for you to reflect on the way that you are treating your workers right now. You can't forever hide and say you aren't responsible," said union leader Dolores Huerta.
