Standing in the shadow of Alice Walton’s $25 million Park Ave. duplex, dozens of demonstrators called on the Walmart heiress to boost the company’s minimum hourly wage to $15.
“What do we want?” the crowd of about 50 protesters chanted Friday on the street 30 floors below the posh residence. “Fifteen dollars!”
Many called the multibillionaire out by name during the demonstration, which included ex-Walmart workers from both coasts.
“We’re here to tell Walmart to do the right thing,” said Denis Barlage, 56, who was laid off from the company’s Pico Rivera, Calif., store earlier this year.
“Walmart sets the standard for all companies,” she continued. “They are the third largest employer in the world … they can afford this.”
GOV. CUOMO ANNOUCES NEW YORK WILL GET $15 AN HOUR MINIMUM WAGE
Dina Lara, a former Walmart worker from Connecticut, came down to Manhattan to add her voice to the chorus calling for a bump in the company’s minimum wage.
“We do this because we want to make a decent living,” said Lara. “I want justice. Not just for me, but for every person who deserves respect. The Waltons need to know we are human beings.”
Walmart announced earlier this year that it was raising its minimum wage for entry-level and long-term hourly employees to $10 an hour. The company’s average full-time hourly wage is $13.
“We know it takes quality associates to give our customers a great shopping experience and we’re proud of the wages and benefits package we offer,” said Walmart spokesman Brian Nick.
“Walmart is investing $2.7 billion over this year and next in wages, education and training for our associates because we know they make the difference.”
Hourly full-time workers also receive an opportunity for quarterly cash bonuses, matching 401(k) plans and health care benefits, he said.
