The Nation (09/03/13) Josh Eidelson

Walmart workers and supporters plan to mount protests in 15 cities Thursday, and Union-backed group OUR Walmart expects this will be its largest mobilization since last November’s Black Friday strike. At an August 22 civil disobedience action, the campaign announced a Labor Day deadline for Walmart to raise its wages to at least $25,000 per year, and reverse the terminations of 20 workers who participated in a June strike. Labor Day passed without any public concession by Walmart.

A mass email to supporters on Sunday from the allied Making Change at Walmart campaign referenced “intensified actions nationwide” Thursday if Walmart did not respond by Labor Day. Thursday’s actions will include a march through downtown Los Angeles to the site of a proposed Walmart in Chinatown, and a demonstration in Washington, DC, where Mayor Vincent Gray may veto a bill requiring “large retailers” such as Walmart to pay employees at least $12.50 hourly. Thursday actions are also planned for Baton Rouge, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Sacramento, San Francisco, and Seattle.