NEW YORK - With about 140 incidents of mass shootings reported and verified in the United States so far in 2023, it has become disturbingly easy for the public to be desensitized and move on with their days, the USA Today reported recently.
In November, six associates at a Walmart in Virginia were killed in a mass shooting. Just two months later, another attack occurred at a Walmart in Indiana. "These tragedies don't stand alone," said the report written by Cynthia Murray, a Walmart staff member.
"But for retail workers like me, these shootings are a reminder of how dangerous our jobs have become, and increasingly, how little our employers value the lives of the people in their stores -- both the customers who shop there and the associates who work there," said Murray in the article published on Thursday.
According to Guns Down America, between Jan. 1, 2020, and last Nov. 22, there were at least 363 gun incidents and 112 gun deaths at Walmart. "Before that, in 2019, the Walmart community and our country at large was devastated by the loss of 23 lives during a mass shooting at a store in El Paso, Texas -- a racist attack that continues to haunt us today," said Murray.
"In the wake of these incidents, workers like me feel that Walmart executives, including CEO Doug McMillon, have failed to update store safety policies, to increase security, to listen to workers' concerns or take the steps necessary to protect associates -- and customers -- on the job," said Murray in the article.
"Company spokespeople are quick to offer thoughts and prayers -- and then it's on to the next incident. How many more people have to die at Walmart before the company makes real changes?" asked Murray. - XINHUA