The avalanche of bad publicity for Wal-Mart stores has spilled over to the web in a humorous way with two popular animations. The web site Jib Jab recently released "Bix Box Mart" which takes some pointed shots at American consumerism and corporate greed that's leading to massive layoffs and a surge in low-paying service sector jobs at retail stores like Wal-Mart. And Wal-Mart Workers Rights recently rolled out their "Friends With Low Wages" animation, putting a negatgive spin on country crooner Garth Brooks' deal with Wal-Mart to sell his records exclusively with the retail giant.

Anti-Wal-Mart Press ConferenceIn an effort to raise awareness to Wal-Mart’s blatant gender and race discrimination practices, Local 1459 members and Springfield politicians spoke outside the Springfield City Hall.

UFCW Local 1459 is proud to endorse Deval Patrick for Governor and his running mate, Tim Murray. "When you compare the stances of these two candidates on the issues that affect working families the most, it's clear the Patrick-Murray team is a much better choice," said President Scott Macey. "Over the coming six weeks up until November, we're going to work to hard to help our membership understand that a vote for Deval is in their best interest."
Patrick demonstrated his ability to lead by organizing an outstanding grassroots field campaign that helped him win the Democratic primary by a large margin. Individuals who have heard Patrick speak are quick to remark on his comfortable speaking style and find that his positive message of hope resonates with them.
You can learn more about Deval Patrick on his web site.

Managers at Johnny's Foodmaster in Somerville refused to accept a letter drafted by fifth grade students from the Workman's Circle in Brookline. The letter protested the sale of Smithfield Packing products produced in North Carolina, where workers face unsafe conditions, degrading treatment and union busting.

Hundreds of workers' rights supporters from around the area joined in a protest at the store on December 10th, Human Rights Day.

One of the speakers, 10 year old Hannah Monius, said "Smithfield workers often have to work 12 hours a day and only get 11 dollars an hour. Many of the workers who get hurt don’t report their injuries for fear of getting fired. If anyone is caught trying to form a union, they are put in cells as if they had committed a crime."

For more details, check out this article in the Somerville Journal.

Springfield Democratic City Committee Chair, Henry TwiggsCivic and union leaders gathered in front of the Boston Road Wal-Mart in Springfield just before the Thanksgiving holiday to draw attention to the retailing giant's unethical employment practices. The press conference attracted local television media outlets.

After the press conference, attendees handbilled in front of the store to let customers know how Wal-Mart's employment practices hurt its workers.

Speakers included John Bennett, Massachusetts Senior Action; Henry Twiggs, chair of the Springfield Democratic City Committee; Rick Brown, President of the Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO; and Tyrone Housey, organizer with UFCW Local 1459.

See all photos from the event.