(Oct. 1, 2012) Walmart Workers Ask For Safe Work Environment, Walmart Calls Riot Police

A Monday afternoon protest in Illinois gets heated.

Workers at Walmart contractor Roadlink have been on strike since Sept. 15.

About 650 people protested a major Walmart distribution center Monday in Elwood, Illinois, the Chicago Tribune reports.

At Walmart contractor Roadlink, workers have been on strike since mid-September, claiming unsafe working conditions and unfair wages. From the movement's website http://www.warehouseworker.org/

"No one should come to work and endure extreme temperatures, inhale dust and chemical residue, and lift thousands of boxes weighing up to 250lbs with no support. Workers never know how long the work day will be- sometimes its two hours, sometimes its 16 hours. Injuries are common, as is discrimination against women and illegal retaliation against workers who speak up for better treatment.