Drum Hill Plaza Serves As Backdrop For Black Friday Protest

The Christmas shopping season is here again, and protesters marked its kickoff at Drum Hill plaza urging Chelmsford’s Walmart to pay higher wages.

Following on previous protests at the location, as well as protests elsewhere in the state, Massachusetts Jobs for Justice gathered approximately a dozen protesters lining the entranceway to Walmart at Drum Hill Plaza on Black Friday to share their views with oncoming shoppers.

Jobs for Justice volunteer and Lowell resident Amy Banelis helped to organize the event, the first such event she has organized, saying she only met most of the other protesters for the first time as she arrived at the plaza.

Although she does not work in retail, she wanted to speak out against what she sees as unfair practices by the retailer.

“It feels like we’re getting a lot of support, a lot of people honking their car horns,” she said. “I really support labor rights and wanted to get more involved, and it seems like these people are the same.”

Massachusetts Jobs for Justice executive director Russ Davis said that the Chelmsford protest was one of 40 happening across the state and 1,500 across the country on Black Friday.

“Really the focus is on Walmart today. There are other protesters are other stores, but the reason we’re focusing on Walmart is because they are the biggest private employer in the United States and they drive the economy in terms of low wages and the destruction of small businesses,” said Davis. “If people don’t have enough money, they can’t spend money and the economy can’t get out of the recession. This isn’t just about Walmart workers, this is about the economy and helping people improve their jobs.”

Davis challenged claims by Walmart stating that protesters at the event were paid to be there or were aiming to disrupt Walmart’s business, and in turn he challenged claims from Walmart indicating that the average full-time wages at Walmart were approximately $12 an hour, stating those figures were distorted by management salaries.

Walmart could not be reached for comment on the specific Chelmsford protest, but issued a statement on the nationwide protests, respecting the protesters’ right to share their message while also citing discounts given to employees and safety initiatives.

In a statement, Walmart vice president of corporate communications David Tovar emphasized potential opportunities at the chain’s stores, stating that Walmart promotes 430 employees each day on average, with 25,000 promotions expected during the holiday season.

“Of course, we have entry-level jobs and we always will. The real issue isn't where you start. It's where you can go once you’ve started. Retail is one of the few industries that has jobs at all levels and ongoing advancement opportunities,” he said. “It’s businesses like Walmart that can create opportunities for career growth and greater economic security for families.”