Walmart Superstore Opening In Burbank Stirs Protests
BURBANK (CBS) — Despite heated opposition, the Burbank City Council approved the opening of a Walmart superstore at a meeting Tuesday night.
More than 50 people signed up to speak during the town hall style meeting.
"We just want them to follow through on their promises and they never do. They consistently let us down," said resident Kate Nixa.
A group of opponents, made up of union members, residents and, even, current Walmart employees, gathered outside Burbank City Hall and staged a vocal protest. They said they don't believe the store would be a benefit to the community.
Many protestors held signs that read, "Stop Walmart, Live Better".
"They promised in Baldwin Park that they would pay us $14 an hour and that's not happening," said Walmart employee Angelita Rodriguez.
Rodriguez said she started working at the retail giant at minimum wage and, almost eight years later, is making $11.21 an hour.
Protestors were concerned with additional traffic to the area and the volume of groceries that would be sold by Walmart.
The city council decided that neither of those would be an issue if the store were to open and council members approved the permits needed for Walmart's preparations to continue. The store will open in the Empire Center, where the "The Great Outdoors" once stood.
Supporters of the Walmart superstore said the chain offers great deals and convenient one-stop shopping for all your everyday needs.
