In recent years, many retailers have taken a stand against the pressures of consumer culture, and chosen to stay closed on Thanksgiving to allow their employees time to enjoy the holiday with their families. But at one mall in Cheektowaga, NY, business owners are having that choice taken away from them -- the mall, Walden Galleria, has announced that it will be imposing a hefty fine on any business which chooses not to open its doors at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
It’s wrong for a retail location to force shop owners to stay open against their will on a national holiday -- all workers deserve to be able to relax with their families. For many, Thanksgiving is one of the few times a year they’re able to spend with distant friends and relatives.
Please sign and share this petition demanding that Walden Galleria drop its Thanksgiving policy and give shop owners the choice of whether or not to stay open on the holiday, penalty-free!
Dear Mr. Congel,
We, the undersigned, respectfully request that your company reconsider its policy of fining businesses in your mall which choose not to open on major holidays. All workers deserve to be able to spend their Thanksgiving evening relaxing with their families -- and business owners and managers should be able to give their employees that option without the fear of financial penalties.
Please do away with this harmful policy at Walden Galleria mall and all other properties managed by your company. Stores that choose to do the right thing should never be fined for trying to protect their employees.
