Walmart workers from across California held the first sit-down strike in the retail giant’s history, staging the protest inside two Los Angeles-area stores on Nov. 13.

The workers blocked cashier lanes and store aisles, their mouths taped shut in protest against the company’s illegal efforts to silence those who speak out for better jobs. Hundreds of supporters rallied outside one of the stores and took over an intersection. Twenty-eight protesters were arrested.

The actions come as Walmart and other retailers are preparing for the start of the holiday shopping season, which traditionally begins on the day after Thanksgiving, the biggest shopping day of the year.

Walmart workers have held Black Friday protests every year for several years, and this year will be no different. In addition to calling for higher wages and more full-time positions with regular hours, the workers also want Walmart to stop forcing them to work on Thanksgiving.

Walmart is one of a growing number of large retailers, including also Kmart, Macy’s, Target, RadioShack and JC Penny that will be open for shoppers on Thanksgiving. Others — including Costco, Marshalls, Nordstrom and T.J. Maxx — are closing for the holiday and giving their employees the day off.

The New York Times, Nov. 14
Labor Notes, Nov. 14
Christian Science Monitor, Nov. 14