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Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism University of Southern California
Southern California

Pico Rivera Walmart Shuts Down

More than 500 employees are upset that they're out of a job, but Walmart is meeting with them about their future options. ATVN's Alyssa Nakamoto reports. 

More than 500 Pico Rivera Walmart employees were given only hours' notice on Monday that their store would be closing because of plumbing and maintenance issues. 

The employees were upset about the way they were notified. They say they found out at 7 p.m. on Monday, hours before the store was closing. 

"I think it's very unprofessional. I mean in five hours, they're gonna tell you," said employee Darlene Medina. "At least they can prepare you and say 'start preparing yourself.'" 

A group of current and former associates that is tied with the UFCW, Our Walmart, is also upset with how Walmart handled the situation. 

"The associates deserve a lot more than that. These associates are the ones making the corporation a lot of money," said Our Walmart representative Evelin Cruz. 

Some of the employees weren't surprised about the closure and say they've noticed that the store has been slowing down production. 

"That's a super center, and each truck carries a lot, and we weren't getting any trucks," said employee Gabriel Rojas. 

Today, employees of the Pico Rivera Walmart met with Walmart managers and administrators who said the employees would get two months' pay and made them aware of their future options with the company. While a Walmart spokesperson said the store was closed due to recurring plumbing problems, many of the employees blame unions for the closure. 

"They said it was a plumbing issue," said Rojas. "I think it's more than that. I think it's this union thing." 

Walmart spokesperson Delia Garcia said in a statement, "We understand this decision has been difficult on our associates and our customers and we aim to reopen these stores as soon as these issues are resolved and improvements are made." 

A customer says he sympathizes with employees, but understands Walmart's decision. 

"They're just trying to keep the stores in the best possible condition, and I appreciate that," said Richard Rodriguez. 

Walmart will continue to meet with Pico Rivera employees one-on-one about the transition through Friday. 

COMMENTS

THIS IS A UNION ISSUES...WALMARK CLOSE DOWN BECAUSE THE UNION WAS STEPPING IN..SO WALMARK CLOSE THERE DOORS.SO THE UNION CANT CONTACT THE EMPLOYEES. WALMARK.WANT TO RUN THE STORE LIKE A SWEAT SHOP..SO TO ALL THE PICO RESIDENTS..LETS NOT SHOP THERE ANYMORE.. WHEN ITS RE-OPEN.. LETS STICK TOGETHER ON THIS...

It had nothing to do with their plumbing. Habitual liars pay a big price.

Walmart is a very shady company. I know for a fact that when they get employees to work overtime, they cut their hours at some point during the work week to avoid overtime pay. Yet, Obama sings their praises

If they are shady dont work for them. Go to a union store.

Federal law provides employees must be notified a few months before shutdown. Sue!

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