For Immediate Release: June 24, 2010

Media Contact: Jill Cashen, 202-728-4797 or press@ufcw.org

A STATEMENT FROM THE

WAKE UP WALMART CAMPAIGN OF THE UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION ON THE

AGREEMENT BETWEEN WORKER ORGANIZATIONS AND WALMART IN CHICAGO

(Washington, DC) – Community and worker organizations have reached an agreement with Walmart that will pave the way for one new store in Chicago where workers will earn above minimum wage hourly rates. The agreement signifies a new era in which Walmart recognizes the importance of setting minimum working standards and putting those standards in writing.

The Chicago agreement, between the Chicago Federation of Labor, UFCW Local 881 and Walmart, is an important first step in establishing workplace standards for Walmart operations in new markets.

Today’s agreement is a starting point for future discussions that will establish retail jobs that can sustain a career, pay wages that can support a family and will rebuild America’s middle class. The UFCW and Wake Up Walmart look forward to further discussions with the company to establish middle class working standards and guarantees for Walmart associates in Chicago and other markets.

The UFCW is joined by several community leaders and elected officials who understand that the Chicago Pullman Park agreement is just a starting point for future negotiations in Chicago and elsewhere. The Good Jobs Chicago coalition will keep a watchful eye on Walmart’s adherence to its promised standards. The retailer has a long track record of disingenuous behavior toward its workers and the communities in which it operates. It is currently facing the largest gender-discrimination class action lawsuit in U.S. history.

In Chicago, Walmart has agreed, in principle, to pay workers a starting rate of $8.75 an hour and 40 cents an hour increase after the first year the store is open. Future increases will add annual increases of 50 cents and 60 cents to the hourly starting wage rate.

In addition, UFCW Local 881 President Ron Powell said: "We are committed to ensuring that Walmart will not deny its workers in Chicago their rights. Around the world, this corporation has routinely mistreated its employees and violated labor laws. We won’t let that happen here in Chicago"