In June, over 100 striking Walmart workers, along with allies from labor, community and faith-based groups, trekked to Walmart's annual shareholder meeting in Bentonville, Arkansas, the company headquarters, to tell shareholders about the company's abusive practices. When these workers returned to work, Walmart—hoping to knock the wind out of the sails of the growing movement—systematically fired at least twenty-three workers and disciplined another 43 employees despite their legally recognized, protected absences. In its statement, the NLRB explained: "During two national television news broadcasts and in statements to employees at Walmart stores in California and Texas, Walmart unlawfully threatened employees with reprisal if they engaged in strikes and protests on November 22, 2012."