Senator Kennedy Stands with Walmart Workers

Nationwide actions today to raise awareness of worker mistreatment, retaliation.

Kennedy joins workers and supporters at Black Friday rally at Walmart in Cheektowaga.

Kennedy: I stand with workers in their efforts to fight back and be heard.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Senator Tim Kennedy, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Economic Development Committee, stands with workers in their ongoing efforts to end workplace retaliation and secure better wages and benefits, fair treatment and respect. Kennedy joined workers and supporters at a rally Friday at the Walmart in Cheektowaga’s Thruway Plaza where they called for an end to worker mistreatment.

“Workers deserve fair treatment, fair wages and a fair deal from their employer. However, time and time again, we hear new cases of worker mistreatment, retaliation, low wages and schedule manipulation to keep benefits out-of-reach at Walmart Stores across our state and nation. Workers have put up with it for far too long, and I stand with them in their efforts to fight back and be heard. Walmart has long been a leader in the American retail industry. Now it’s time for them to finally become a leader in supporting and respecting the American worker.

“Our state and nation were built upon the backs of our workers. Whether you construct roads and bridges, manufacture motor vehicles, keep retail stores open and vibrant or do any other type of work, every worker deserves a fair wage for an honest day’s work. That’s why I will continue to push for good-paying, family-sustaining jobs and equal pay for equal work. As we prepare for the 2013 legislative session, raising the minimum wage must remain a priority. A fairer, higher wage will help working families make ends meet and help our state reduce unacceptably high rates of poverty.”

In Buffalo, 46.8 percent of children live in poverty. Kennedy says a higher minimum wage will help combat poverty among working families and children.

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Senator Timothy M. Kennedy represents the New York State Senate’s 58th District, which is comprised of the towns of Cheektowaga, Eden, Hamburg and West Seneca, the city of Lackawanna and parts of the city of Buffalo. More information is available at http://kennedy.nysenate.gov.