The same weekend as U.S. Walmart workers went on a Black Friday strike 112 garment workers – almost all were young women – were killed in a fire in Bangladesh, while sewing garments for Walmart and other U.S. retailers. Like the 146 killed in the Triangle Shirtwaist fire in 1911 in New York City, they died because fire exits and stairwells were chained shut and they couldn’t get out of the burning building.
Both tragedies were caused by corporate greed and illegal working conditions. The Triangle tragedy and the protest that followed resulted in important reforms to protect workers from greedy companies in the United States.
Now we need to act and support efforts to hold Walmart responsible for the deaths of the workers in Bangladesh. Walmart played a leading role in blocking efforts to increase safety regulations in Bangladesh.
This Saturday, Dec. 22, Interfaith Worker Justice and the Making Change at Walmart coalition issued a call for a national day of action to support the workers in Bangladesh and call for Walmart to be held accountable.
Go here to find a prayer vigil or solidarity event in your area or host one and sign the petition.
Photo: (CAN Action Center)
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