Union members distribute fliers protesting plans for 2 local Wal-Marts
By ROB HART
STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
Friday, May 13, 2005
A Queens resident who helped derail Wal-Mart’s attempt to build a store in his borough joined union members and volunteers yesterday in protesting the big-boxer’s plans to build on Staten Island.
Shaun Richman, along with members of Local 342 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, handed out small orange fliers to late-afternoon commuters at the St. George Ferry Terminal
“[Wal-Mart comes] in and all the small shops close down,” contended Richman. “They’re welfare cheats and they produce jobs that don’t pay
enough.”
The retail behemoth is eyeing industrial tracts in Mariners Harbor and Richmond Valley. Either would be the first Wal-Mart in New York
City.
Besides the alleged detriment to small businesses, the fliers accused Wal-Mart of poor labor practices in regard to health care, discrimination against women and the disabled, and tax evasion.
“I don’t think it’s a good thing for Staten Island,” said Michael Santorella of Port Richmond, who was clutching a flier while waiting for the next boat. “They don’t seem to do the right thing, and I don’t think I would shop there.”
Martha Rohman of West Brighton agreed: “This company has a history of discriminating against its workers, especially women. I would be much happier if they never built it, and I’m glad there are people out here talking about how bad an idea it is.”
