Walmart workers and shoppers pay attention

LYNN – Leaving Walmart Friday with newly bought Christmas gifts, Roseann Mazzuchelli explained why she shops in the Lynnway store even though she thinks it is a good idea “to keep big corporations in check.””I have a big family and I don’t make a lot of money,” she said.Local protesters identifying themselves as Jobs for Justice and Lynn United for Change members mirrored Black Friday demonstrations in other parts of the country by calling on Walmart to hike its workers’ wages and give them full-time, consistent hours.”It’s not fair for workers not to get decent pay,” said United for Change member Odna Milhomme.Protester Domenic DeMasi of Winthrop handed Lynnway store manager Brendan Quirk a letter during Friday’s protest summarizing demonstrators’ objections. Quirk declined to comment on the letter or the protest, but Walmart – in an online statement – said Black Friday protesters “do not represent” 1.3 million Walmart associates.”It’s unfortunate that this group attempts to disrupt the holiday spirit to push their agenda. The reality is that Walmart is focused every day on providing our associates with opportunities for job growth,” said Walmart spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan.Steven On of Lynn started working his Black Friday shift at Walmart at 1 a.m. He would like to be paid more but said he likes his job.”The customer is the king – we treat them well,” On said.Kelly Jones of Lynn spent Black Friday morning at Walmart with his wife, Margie, and said the protesters’ wage concerns caught his attention. Margie Jones of Lynn said she shops once a week at Walmart for a very simple reason: “They have cheaper prices.”Milhomme said she protested in front of the Lynnway store Friday to urge shoppers to consider if Walmart workers – and employees in other firms – make wages that reflect their workload.”I feel people need to get the pay they deserve,” she said.Mazzuchelli understands that perspective but said Walmart employees have a reason to be thankful.”These people have jobs and they are putting food on the table,” she said.