Walmart workers in Chile ended their six-day strike Tuesday after trade unionists won their demand for a pay rise.
More than 17,000 workers at three companies—Lider, Express de Lider, and Super Bodega a Cuenta—owned by the U.S. corporation returned to work after salary increases, bonuses, training, and other benefits were agreed to by the retail giant.
Walmart has around 400 outlets in Chile, of which a third were affected by the industrial action.
The corporation has been widely criticized in multiple countries for poor working conditions and low wages. U.S. presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders previously condemned Walmart for paying “starvation wages.”
Disputes began after Walmart announced layoffs as the stores moved to automated functions. Workers formed picket lines outside the stores and called on customers to boycott any Walmart products until the workers’ demands had been met.
Walmart bosses initially denounced the action and the “illegal blockades” but were forced back into negotiations after workers refused to back down.
On Monday night, union leader Juan Moreno announced the end of the strike as workers had won a 5.1% wage hike and an agreement from the company that they would support retraining programs for those being made redundant.
Walmart has been targeted multiple times by strike action over its poor wages.
Employees across the U.S. went on strike during 2017 Black Friday as many of the staff were being forced to rely on food stamps and other government support to make ends meet, despite working full time.
The corporation has often refused to enter negotiations with unions.
Morning Star
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