Walmart v. Freespeech

Walmart's outrageous challenge of freedom of expression is now before the court. From December 13 to 17, the Quebec Superior Court is scheduled to hear arguments from the world’s largest corporation against the long-standing and award-winning website dedicated to helping Walmart Associates to empower themselves as workers in Canada.

The ramifications of this case could be huge for the way workers express ideas, share experiences and try to mobilize their online social networks.

It's the latest chapter in a story that broke eighteen months ago when Walmart filed a request for a court injunction against www.walmartworkerscanada.ca. The website is operated by UFCW Canada and is dedicated to helping Walmart workers in Canada understand and exercise their rights as workers.

Walmart Canada is using copyright law to try and prevent UFCW Canada from using the web to communicate effectively.  Walmart is seeking to shutdown or severely limit what can be said and displayed on the website walmartworkerscanada.ca, a site which has been in operation for the past seven years.

UFCW Canada will be at the Quebec Superior Court standing fast to protect a worker's right – and the digital rights of all web users – to freely and effectively communicate on the internet.

To help fight back and make a stand for free speech on the internet, go walmartworkerscanada.ca/freespeech and spread the word through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Vol. X No. 49 • December 13, 2010