This Thursday, the Walmart Chile unions will continue with the legal strike that began on Wednesday, July 10, affecting more than 150 stores across the country. According to the Walmart Workers Federation, the mobilization remains strong due to disagreements in collective bargaining with the company.
In a press release, the unions stressed that “we are proud of the deployment of our 150 unions on the ground, covering 180 premises. The company recognizes 11,400 as authorized workers, but we are more than 13,000 members.”
On July 9, the National Assembly of Leaders of Grassroots Unions rejected the company’s latest offer. They indicated that the proposal did not contain salary increases or CPI adjustments in remunerations and benefits. In addition, the termination bonus offered was considered insufficient compared to previous agreements.
“The company wants to move from multi-functional worker to omnichannel worker” meaning one does several things, the other worker that you imagine at Walmart, would do everything,” they explained.
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Impact on premises nationwide
Walmart Chile reported that, while the strike lasts, 75 supermarkets will close and 82 will operate partially. “We are making every effort to have the least possible impact on our customers, who will be informed through our communication platforms regarding the closest supply alternatives,” the company said.
Walmart Chile also said that they have made efforts to avoid the strike, presenting a proposal that was not accepted. “There was also no counterproposal from the Federation that would allow us to continue talking,” they said. Despite this, the company stated that they remain open to dialogue with a genuine concern for the workers.
Demonstrations in the premises
The striking workers will not start their shifts and will protest in front of the supermarkets. The National Federation of Walmart Workers indicated that “all actions that help to make our position known and the activities of surveillance of the premises so that those who do not have the legal right do not enter to work are permitted.”
The mobilized workers are demanding salary increases, adjustments, bonuses and updated benefits. “We are not here to accept any crumbs. From day one we had every intention of reaching an agreement with them, but they did not want to move forward. It is not just regarding money, but also our dignity,” the union stated to Radio Bío Bío.
As things stand, the strike will continue until an agreement is reached. Karen González, President of the Walmart Chile Workers Federation, emphasized the workers’ willingness to engage in dialogue. “We do not agree with what they are doing, closing the doors in the face of the working class… this is not only regarding salary issues, but it is an issue of dignity.“, she said.
The strike affects the Líder, Express de Líder, aCuenta and Central Mayorista supermarkets, operated by Walmart Chile.
Walmart Chile Workers Continue Legal Strike Amid Collective Bargaining Disputes
The legal strike initiated by Walmart Chile unions on Wednesday, July 10th, continues this week, impacting over 150 stores across the country. The Walmart Workers Federation maintains that the mobilization remains robust due to ongoing disagreements with the company during collective bargaining negotiations.
In a recent press release, the unions emphasized their strong presence, stating, “We are proud of the deployment of our 150 unions on the ground, covering 180 premises. The company recognizes 11,400 as authorized workers, but we are more than 13,000 members.”
On July 9th, the National Assembly of Leaders of Grassroots Unions rejected Walmart Chile’s latest offer. The unions cited the lack of salary increases or CPI adjustments in remuneration and benefits as their primary reason for rejection. They also deemed the proposed termination bonus insufficient compared to previous agreements.
Shifting Roles & Worker Expectations
“The **Company wants to move from multi-functional worker to omnichannel worker**,” explained the unions. “One does several things, the other worker that you imagine at Walmart, would do everything.”
This shift in expectations and the proposed changes to roles are central to the tension between the unions and Walmart Chile. The unions argue that the company’s proposed changes do not adequately compensate for the expanded responsibilities and increased workload associated with the “omnichannel worker” role.
Impact on Stores and Operations
Walmart Chile has confirmed that, during the strike, 75 supermarkets will remain closed, while 82 will operate with limited services. The company stated, “We are making every effort to have the least possible impact on our customers, who will be informed through our communication platforms regarding the closest supply alternatives.”
Walmart Chile has reiterated its efforts to reach an agreement with the unions, claiming that they presented a proposal that was ultimately rejected. “There was also no counterproposal from the Federation that would allow us to continue talking,” the company stated. Despite this, they have expressed their commitment to continued dialogue with the unions.
Demonstrations & Worker Demands
Workers participating in the strike are refusing to begin their shifts and are instead engaging in protests outside supermarket locations. The National Federation of Walmart Workers indicated that “all actions that help to make our position known and the activities of surveillance of the premises so that those who do not have the legal right do not enter to work are permitted.”
The workers’ primary demands include salary increases, adjustments, bonuses, and updated benefits. “We are not here to accept any crumbs. From day one we had every intention of reaching an agreement with them, but they did not want to move forward. It is not just regarding money, but also our dignity,” a union representative told Radio Bío Bío.
Strike Continues Pending Resolution
As of now, the strike continues until an agreement is reached between the unions and Walmart Chile. Karen González, the President of the Walmart Chile Workers Federation, emphasized the workers’ willingness to continue dialogue. “We do not agree with what they are doing, closing the doors in the face of the working class… this is not only regarding salary issues, but it is an issue of dignity,” she said.
The strike affects Líder, Express de Líder, aCuenta, and Central Mayorista supermarkets, all operated by Walmart Chile.
Keywords
* Walmart Chile
* Legal Strike
* Collective Bargaining
* Union
* Walmart Workers Federation
* Salary Increase
* CPI Adjustment
* Termination Bonus
* Omnichannel Worker
* Supermarket Closure
* Worker Demands
* Dignity
