Striking

I keep hearing on the news about the Walmart Associates that want to strike this week, on the busiest shopping day of the year.  Today, I hear that it is because of unfair wages.  I won't argue to Walmart's pay policies, what I will say is they need to figure out a better way to advocate for their needs or better yet, grow up.

In the economic environment that we live in, people need their jobs and while Walmart says they will not retaliate, I personally would fire them.  I feel like hitting the bottom line of the company you work for flies in the face of common sense when you are wanting a raise.  How about show them your worth and let them reward you for that.  Negotiating for an increase based on increase in sales, etc.  What if the people that have to fill your position do this because they want the job with the pay because it is better than the unemployment check that is fixing to stop?

And then I get a little bit more angry because many of the front line Walmart Associates still make more than those who are protecting our freedom - the police officers, fire fighters, EMT's and soldiers who get ZERO holidays off to spend with their family.  I know families who would be happy to have til 7 pm with their loved one on Thanksgiving Day.  How about if they strike and let you deal with opening the doors for the out of control customers, in over crowded stores, and treat the injuries that happen that happen in the madhouse of Black Friday.

Benefits, I know many who have served, came back with no benefits for the trauma caused to them on the job.  I think about the police officer in Missouri who share with me that not only is his wage low, he has to pay for most of his needed supplies out of his own pocket.  He doesn't have a sample store or 10% discount.  He signed on for the job, and is willing to do what is necessary because he values his job and role.  You signed on for your position, you accepted the job at the rate of pay you receive, no one forced you to do it.

The fact is, you have a right to stand up for yourself and ask for your needs to be met.  Striking hurts the companies bottom line that pays your paycheck and the customers who count on you for service.  Neither is a good testimony to your skills and abilities.  There are people who would like to have your job.  There are people with much tougher jobs who get less benefits than you, work longer hours, in terrible conditions.  Last but certainly not least, Walmart may be your paycheck, but they are not your provider.  God is your Provider and if you obey His Word you will always be covered.

Col. 3:17, 22-25 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.  But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.