Asslam u Aliekum,

As discussed in last week's ICNA CSJ campaign newsletter, we will be taking a stand against Walmart this Black Friday (Nov. 27) due to their low pay and inadequate work schedules for their employees. As America's largest employer, they can do a lot better! We are partnering up with OUR Walmart, an organization that works to ensure that all Walmart employees are respected.

ICNA chapters in Washington D.C., Chicago, and New York are participating in this campaign. We are requesting other chapters and the Muslim community in general to come out and support our fellow Americans' fight for workers' justice. Allah tells us in the Qur'an [meaning of which is]:

“Oh you who believe! Be standard bearers for Justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, Or your kin, whether it be rich or poor."[Qur'an 4:135]

And the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is reported to have said:

“Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; if he cannot, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of Faith.” [Reported by An-Nasa’i]

Here is how you can help:

1. Participate in delegations to Walmart stores on Black Friday. We want as many individuals as possible to download a summary petition [click here to download] and deliver it to Walmart store managers in your area on Black Friday (Nov. 27). The petition requests for fair wages and schedules. It is a very effective activity that can have a big impact at Walmart stores across the country. It can easily be done by individuals, families, or even a few friends. It can work with one or two people doing it quickly. It is something that will not take a ton of time on Black Friday. Please note that courts have enjoined agents from entering any Walmart property, except to shop, in Arkansas, Florida, Texas, Colorado, Ohio, Maryland, and in California from entering inside stores. So please avoid this step if you reside in one of these states.
    
2. Participate in Black Friday protests - There will be protests happening on Black Friday in front of Walmarts across the country requesting the Waltons to raise the minimum wage and give consistent schedules to their employees. You can either join a protest already happening in your area or organize your own at your local Walmart. Click here to find a local Black Friday protest in your area to join or organize your own. ICNA CSJ is requesting the Muslim community to participate in these protests.

If you would like more information, please contact Rameez Abid, Communications Director at ICNA CSJ, at the following e-mail address: rameez@icnacsj.org.