Maryland’s Shining Moment

Even though this wonderful bill passed, it was close.  The 17 who sided with Wal Mart by voting against it should be removed from office.

Let’s hope to the other 30 states are smart enough to do the same as Maryland.

Walmart is on the run!  Working people are on the move!  You can’t scare ME Walmart, I’m stickin’ to the union ‘til the day I die!!

We stopped them from building here in NYC and now we have 49 states left to stop them from denying health care to working people.  CONGRATULATIONS MARYLAND!  CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BROTHER VINNY DEMARCO!!

Edgar in USA:

Again...I have to question how in touch with reality you are.  Your statement: “America is at the beginning of a severe health care crisis...” proves you are not.  Contrary to being “at the beginning,” America’s healthcare crisis is coming to a head.  The bubble is bursting for Wal-Mart...their little “party” at the expense of taxpayers is over.

Would you like an egg to go with your beer as you cry into it Edgar?

Will WM demand the money back from the House & Senate members that WM PAID to vote against the bill?

This is certainly a great day for working people who are smart enough to realize what a leech WM is.  Why should the high taxes I pay go to support WM?

I really hope this is the beginning of the end of WM being subsidized by the taxpayers to destroy local businesses and good jobs.

Now if only the stockholders were smart enough to perform a “STOCK ENEMA” known as everyone dumping their WM stock.  WM could be put out in a day as they would not have the money for the stock buyback.  But then again, I’m sure the Republicans would bail out WM with Taxpayer money of course.

The grand prize is to eventually see them liquidate.

Yeah!

So, if I understand this new bill correctly, Wal-Mart has to pay more towards employee health care, which will in effect lower the premiums associates pay each pay check? Or will they lower the deductibles, or out of pocket cost? Whatever, I don’t think it’s really gonna effect how many WM associates the state health-care system will pay for.

Say you’re a single mother with 3 kids working at WM and you qualify for state funded health care. Now this new law passed and instead of $45 per pay check premiums, the premiums are only $25. The single mother is not making any more money per hour so she will still qualify for the state health care. Which do you think they would choose?
Pay $50 per month for WM insurance or free health care from the state with no deductible, no copays etc. I’m guessing they will opt for the free ride from the gov’t. So now the state is still paying for their health care and WM somehow will try to recover the money they are paying for the other employees increase in healthcare costs. Maybe they won’t be as generous with yearly pay raises or cut out the yearly bonus program for associates. What about the associates who have insuance through other sources like their spouse, parents or are on medi-care? Should they receive a higher wage because they are not benefiting from the new law?
This whole law is unbelievable. A business is not required to provide health insurance for anyone, thats why they call it a benefit.

I am Maryalnder so in effect the my govt is forcing walmart to 8% for healthcare since is what we as taxpayers put out.  Then I want 8% back to me because I pay for my own plan and could use that 8%.  All this work in Annapolis for a nothing bill.  Want to see waste your taxdollars check out politicians arguing these bills.  Also here in Maryland we essentially said we want slot via voting in Bob Ehrlic. Thus our voices were heard by the vote count , house and senate wouldn’t pass.  That’s screwed up.  I guess once some these wacky democratics are voted out then there will be actual work down i Annapolis.

I would first off like to thank the unions for thier work at slowing the growth of WalMart stock it has given me the opportunity to buy more of it at a discounted price.  Second the bogus bill that was passed in Maryland, great job on that.  It may have cost Maryland approximately 6000 jobs or lower hourly wages.  Speaking of jobs what is the casualty count 35,000 for GM another soon to be 20,000 for ford And UPS may look at 2,000 another representation of the Unions hard at work.  To the 57,000 people that are or will be out of work you may still have a job if your companies were able to compete against the lower cost business models that your competition uses.  Maybe your Unions should use your dues contributions to support your needs WalMart and thier associates have repeatedly declined the assistance of your Unions but they continue to spend millions of dollars lobbying against WalMart.  They will never get any of thier associates to join they should be focusing on you people you are the ones they need to help you asked for thier help and now they are turning thier backs on you.  All they want is the gold mine that belongs to WalMart.  You need to band together to support our american icons as we are losing ground to the foriegn competition why are we lsing ground not because of WalMart because too many people are willing to pay for someone to speak for them.  We are Americans we speak for ourselves this is a global economy if you don’t like GM go to toyota if you don’t like Walmart go to Target.  We at one time needed power in numbers to get us through the industrial revolution. That is over we to rid this country of the voice that is now costing us the jobs that it once created.  It is time that we become resposible for ourselves.  If you dont like that WAAA.  *Edgar in USA*, I stand by you, you are right
*ScrewedbyWal-Mart in Anytown, USA*you have no sense of what is going on you should be eating eggs and drinking beer.  And your statement is completely ignorant.  WalMart is still a powerful company and if you look at its financials it is still a better company than Target or Sears Holding Corp. so shut up. The Party is still on.

Olivia in Nashville wrote:

“Will WM demand the money back from the House & Senate members that WM PAID to vote against the bill?”

Good question Olivia!

I would suspect Walmart will be on the phone Friday to these members asking for “THEIR” money back.

I also like your idea of the stock enema.  Walmart would go belly up quickly.

Look forward to seeing more of your valuable comments!

Edgar, why would you support this bill being applied to all employers so all employers would be forced to cut wages and other benefits in order to increase the health care benefit whether or not this fits that worker’s situation?

Why not address the health care crises at its source: the unnecessary increased costs due to lack of tort reform, unions bleeding hospitals try, wild profiteering by “non profit” hospitals and the for-profit health care sector, and medicare/medicaid fraud?

This was a great victory for America and a needed defeat for Wal-Mart. There is no question that Wal-Mart will react by attempting to punish the state of Maryland (plus, Wal-Mart employees that work in Maryland). The planned distribution center that was scheduled to open in Maryland will certainly be moved somewhere else. Heck, Wal-Mart could shut down all stores in Maryland (I believe that ARE that weird!)

It is imperative that WalMartWatch move quickly to induce the other 30 states (plus, eventually all 50) to enact similar laws as Maryland so Wal-Mart will not be able to move from state to state to avoid paying their fair share. 

Again, great victory for WalMartWatch. Keep it up!

Larry in IN

Larry, if they don’t open a distribution center and reduce/contract other jobs, aren’t they just doing what the government is encouraging them to do? The law is designed to discourage them from having too many employees. That is what the silly 10,000 limit does.  As long as they are over the 10,000 limit, they have to divert at least 8% of compensation to the health care plan whether or not the workers want it.

The people who thought up and voted for this “feel good now, who cares what the results are?” would do well to look at the campaign finance reforms in the early 1970s which created the PACs. These reforms were done to take money out of politics. They can also look at McCain-Feingold which was designed to clean up campaign financing especially in regards to advertising, and compare this desired result against what they really saw on TV in 2004.

You and others refer to WMT “paying their fair share”. How did this bill make them pay more of anything, let alone a fair share (whatever that is)? What does it accomplish to require them to shift compensation from one type to another?

Wal-Mart should close every store in MD. The employees that lose their jobs should join the UAW. That should make the unions happy. Of course, they will be unemployed but the unions don’t care about that, they only care about membership numbers. They still don’t get it. The business world has changed and the unions are still holding on to the 1950’s.

this bill wasn’t for anything but for the party lines.  It is election year here in MD and the majorityof senators and House of Representives are Democrat (Union supported) verses a Republican Governor.  I agree this bill doesn’t do anything good, now companies will be scared to come here and flourish because they did a good job at what they were doing.  Same crap happened to Bill Gates because he didn’t give politicians money, they came after him for being a monopoly.  i am getting tired of our “mob” I mean our legal mob I mean our govt getting involved in capitalism.

WalMart’s ability to offer low prices has come substantially from its success in shifting its costs onto the government.  Health Insurance costs is one of those costs.  The State of Maryland has successfully shoved back at WalMart and stated that it needs to pay its Fair Share of Health Insurance costs.  Yeah! 

Re: WalMart’s cost-shifting: The many tax breaks that WalMart gets from states that their competitors don’t get need to be rescinded (the health insurance costs are just one of many ways the taxpayers subsidize WalMart).  Let’s level the playing field between WalMart and its competitors and then let the better company win.

Re: Health Insurance:  I really believe that we need some sort of national health insurance system.  It doesn’t have to be single payer.  There are alot of other plans floating around think tanks that will cover 100% of American citizens without using the Single Payer model.  Still, until there is some sort of universal coverage, the temptation will be there to do what WalMart has been doing, and shift their share of the health care burden onto other people.

Does anyone have an idea where the fight will be?
I have heard talk that 30 more states may follow the Maryland formula....I would like to track each blow to this corporate giant.

I know 2 of their key areas:

Texas, Oregon

Any others?

I don’t like this bill but also I don’t like that there are subsidies to Wal-Mart.  I think in the business world subsidies are no good.  I’m not sure if this bill says if you take tax subsidies and you employ 10000 maryland employees then you have to pay 8%.  I would agree with the bill with that structure.

The last I heard, we still live in a country where we have choices.  No one says that you have to work at WalMart!
Prospective employees know what they are getting before they accept any position, whether its WalMart, Target or any other retailer. 

It appears to me that WalMart Watch has just singled out a target, with the ultimate end game to increase union membership.  I have yet to see where they have actually done any comparisions of employer contributions to health care, with the exception of costco.  Generally the entire retail/service segment lacks in wages, benefits etc.

Lets see someone compare to other large retailers, ie Target, Federated, Kids R Us, Mervyns, Taco Bell, McDonalds
etc.

In case anyone has forgotten, Wal Mart is a business, not a charity organization.  They pay their employees for the value of their effort.  If the employees think that their skills are underappreciated then they can pack up and work elsewhere, no one is stopping them.

Would you hire someone at a rate $200 dollars an hour to mow your lawn simply for the reason that you are rich, and they are not?  Of course you wouldnt.  You would hire someone for a price that you deem worth the time and effort of that job.  Why should Wal Mart do differently?

What would happen to the U.S. if Wal Mart were to suddenly shut down?  If you really want to help the low-income people of America, you would support Wal-Mart.  Wal-Mart’s average customer has an income around $30,000, that tells you who really takes advantage of the low-prices.  If Wal-Marts famous low-prices no longer existed, then these people would be forced to shop at smaller local business with high prices.

Hilarious.
To quote Edgar: “The obvious result will be that Wal-Mart will lower its wages in order to finance the increased health care costs, and to stay competitive...”.  Are we talking about the same company?  With operating profits of somewhere around $3 billion?  You seem to be endorsing a potential WalMart decision to further exploit it’s workers, after being strongly disciplined for doing so in the first place.

Edgar: “Once again, lobbying by rich entities (this time the unions) has led to legislation that furthers the special interest of one group at the expense of another...” Indeed.  Furthers the special interest of the vulnerable at the expense of the massively powerful.  I think you would agree with me that the interests of big business are increasingly protected in the current political climate in this country.  Yet no embarrasment of riches can make WalMart do the right thing.

Furthermore, if WalMart jobs are lost in MD as a result of all this, great!  It just paves the way for more responsible employers and small business, who form the foundation of economic growth in this country anyway.  But you knew that…

The Manufacturing company where my husband is employed, there are less than 800 employees. It is a modified shop where 60% are UAW members. The other 40% benifit anyway from the contract members have fought for. The pay per hour ranges from $13.75 to $20.50. My husband is at the top of the Pay scale for his experience of the job that he does as an Electronic Tech.

Yet, this company has a health Insurance plan that ALL are enrolled in. For $250 a month, the Health Insurance my husband has covers 80% of Doctor Visits.  100% is paid on ER care, Hospital costs and Major Surgeries after the $250 Deductible. 100% is paid on needed Diagnostic Tests and $10 co-pay on Medications. This Health Plan also covers a basic Preventive Dental plan. This plan covers dependents of the employee also!

How is it that a company with less than 800 employees have an affordable Health Insurance plan, where as a big comapny like WM does not?? Makes one wonder how a company that profits in the BILLIONS annually should take better care of their employees.

Chad in USA

In case anyone has forgotten, Wal Mart is a business, not a charity organization.  They pay their employees for the value of their effort.

Yea right Chad and also they make them work off the CLOCK as well that is great VALUE . Hmm 3 states allready said this to be true and what 30 more are waiting in the wind. Hmm Looks like a 1-2 punch for crap-mart

Thomas D. Blankenship in Los Angeles,CA
here is your list Yahoo colorado and Tx are on it.

Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

Thanks to the left-winged liberal democrats, labor unions and enviromentalist, the United States has many, many companies move to locations south of the border.  This has had a major impact on the working class citizens of this country.  Now, sights have been set on Wal-Mart in an effort by these left-winged democrats and labor unions to force thier stupid laws and policies on this Great American Company.  Wal-Mart could close its doors at noon today in all locations, continue to pay all employees for six months while they look for other jobs, and never look back.  Who would be the loser then Mr left-winged democrats and labor unions?  The American economy, with no tax base, no local and national contributions to organizations, and not only 10,000 Maryland residents, but tens of thousands across the country employed by Wal-Mart, thats who.  Now just continue to push and see how long it takes Wal-Mart to do just that!  Wal-Mart has some very deep pockets (a fact the left-winged democrats can’t stand).  It is time the American people took charge of thier own lives and quit depending on hand-outs sponsered by the left-winged democrats and labor unions.  Get a life, get an education, get a higher paying job, get out of the labor unions, and by all means, quit electing the left-winged democrats back to office.  Just my $.02 cents worth!!

Kathy

The answer to your question is simple.  In Economics 101 you learn about supply and demand.  Obviously the work involved at your husbands manufacturing plant entails a certain level of skill.  These skills are most likely sought elsewhere, in other words there is demand for these skills.  In order for a company to attract the most efficient, and proficient workers, they must offer incentives, such as higher pay and benefits. 

In Wal Mart’s case their workers do not need any special skills, and there is an abundant supply of low-skill workers in this country.  With all these people seeking employment, Wal Mart does not need to provide extra incentives to attract workers.

I think this really great. A law that that will help Wal-mart workers in the long run. I want to send a message to Governor Kathleen Sebelius and all the legislators in Topeka, that I support similiar legislation if and when it is introduced in Topeka.

I can’t believe how terribly stupid this entire website is. 
In America, we are supposed to give equal opportunity to all.  But when did that morph into “everybody should get equal pay”?  Why are we arguing that cashiers and stockboys should be paid enough to support a family of 4?  That’s just outrageous!  What other retailer do you know that pays these kinds of wages to regular hourly employees?  Nobody does!  Why don’t you start an Ingleswatch or a BestBuywatch or something?  Do you think they pay their hourly employees nearly $10/hour?  I guarantee you that NOBODY who is a regular hourly employee for ANY American retailer can support a family of 4.  And do you know what?  They shouldn’t be able to.  We aren’t a socialist state. 
All of this Wal-Mart hating just starts sounding like the ramblings of socialists after a while.

Christopher

I dont think you understand what is meant by the word value.  As difficult as it is to put boxes on shelves, it does not take a great deal of intellectual or physical effort.  Little effort equals little value.

I will agree that it is wrong to “force” employees to work overtime with out proper reimbursements, or to force employees to work through breaks or lunch.  However, Wal Mart is now taking measures to prevent this.  In addition, the CEO of Wal Mart did not personally force these box stockers to “work off the clock”.  It was the manager of that particular store, and with any company the size of Wal Mart there is bound to be rules broken, and in Wal Mart’s case it is a small percentage of it’s locations.

I personally know many people who work at Wal Mart and actually doing work is the exception, not taking a break. 

In the long run if the looters, I mean legislators continue to pass bills like this Wal Mart will simply move out of inhospitable states like MD.  That may make you happy, but I can think of over 10,000 others who won’t be smiling.

To all of you that support this ridiculous bill, I am giving you the opportunity of a lifetime.  Since the US does not need none-productive people like yourselves,I will pay to send you to communist China to live, you will get the same health care and pay as everyone else.  All you need to do is respond to this blog.
Best wishes to you
And long live Freedom

Right on Chad

Edgar In Usa you seem to have a lot to say.  While the bill does not solve all the problems it definitely is a start and where better to start than WM.  Ultimately we need a basic health care policy that is government funded so that everyone has coverage.  We are paying for it one way or another anyway.  I see it everyday, because I work in the ER.  If people only knew!  They would be outraged at the abuse in the system for those with a totally free ride, while the working poor once again get the shaft.  As for not taking a lot of brains to stock a box, maybe not, but WM can’t ask for a college degree when it pays squat for wages can it?? In any case a person is still working and deserves to be treated better.  WM heirs are multi billionaires living a very high life, how did they get their?  Off our backs, and the sweat of others.

Chad in:

Where is Wal-Mart going to move where it will “get a better deal” Chad?  As Christopher points out above, there are 29 other states considering similar legislation.

In reference to managers breaking the rules you state “in Wal-Mart’s case it is a small percentage of it’s locations.” What is that percentage?  Do you have any numbers or figures to support this?  According to Stan Fortune, a 17 year veteran manager at Wal-Mart, the problem is “systemic” throughout Wal-Mart.  That is, policy comes directly out of Bentonville.  I’ll believe him before I believe you!

It’s good to see all of the new posters coming to this blog and adding to the discussion!

Hamrose in New York and Robb C. in New Jersey both make good points.  I would agree with Robb that “equal rights” does not and should not mean “equal pay.” Certainly a Wal-Mart cashier without a college education can’t expect the same pay as someone with a degree.  But let’s not confuse pay with benefits.

Hamrose is correct also that we need some sort of a National Health Care Plan.  America’s healthcare system has been recognized as being out of control for a long time.  Remember the Clintons trying to take on the thorny issue in B.C.’s first term?

Despite what some of the ultra Right Winger’s who visit this blog say… access to health care is a RIGHT of all Americans.  I’ve stated elsewhere that the Declaration of Independence speaks of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Shouldn’t “life” be framed in terms of QUALITY OF LIFE?  Our elected members of Congress seem to have no problem voting themselves the best healthcare in the land!

As I said before ScrewedbyWal-Mart in Anytown, USA you need to sit with your” beer and eggs and watch” You do not know what you are talking about.  You just ramble on as if you were a fifth grade student maybe you should not be drinking beer and isn’t today a schoolday?  As far as working off the clock it is very small percentage approximately .039% of stores have had this reported not confirmed but reported confirmed the percentage is approximately .02 % of stores.  You won’t find that in your Weekly Reader.

“As for not taking a lot of brains to stock a box, maybe not, but WM can’t ask for a college degree when it pays squat for wages can it??”

Thats the beauty of it, WM doesn’t ask for college graduates.  It asks for low-skill workers willing to work for modest wages.  Except of course for it’s Pharmacists and upper level positions but I don’t hear anyone complaining about their wages.

As for the question of where WM heirs get their billions?  Not of the sweat off our backs but by running an efficient business and offering products that we as consumers demand and are willing to pay for with our hard earned money at reasonable prices. 

“Where is Wal-Mart going to move where it will “get a better deal””

I guarantee not all 30 states considering this preposterous legistlation will implement this law.  Even if they do that leaves 20 other states, not to mention lucrative markets abroad.

Another option for WM is to downsize to under 10,000 employees to sidestep these socialist laws.  They might not have the same profit margin, but at least they won’t be handing their money over to the government.  Either way: pay the 8%, or downsize, they are losing money, they might as well make a stand for all big “evil” corporations.  WM can afford to do anything isn’t that the general concensus?  Since they can afford it...lets stick it too em’

Olivia in Nashville- you are just another fine example of the thinking that goes on here.  You state that the “grand prize is to ultimately see them liquidate.” How stupid!!!  You know why?  If Wal-Mart were ever to liquidate, all of those people that work there could jump onto the government’s welfare plans .  That would work, wouldn’t it?

If anyone is interested in an enlightening book that effectively illustrates this dillema read “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand.

Can any of you WMW supporters answer one questin intelligently????  Please answer this......is an employer REQUIRED BY LAW to provide health insurance to its workers?  Just answer that one question fro me, and I am sure it will undermine all of your thoughts and comments.  Thanks.

“Please answer this......is an employer REQUIRED BY LAW to provide health insurance to its workers? “

It is now, thanks to MD’s brilliant legislators.

In light of the government extortion ruling in Maryland, I suggest that Wal-Mart stop offering health care coverage as a benefit.  It’s simply no longer a cost effective thing to do.  Jack up payroll a bit, take away health care.

That might be a good idea. Get rid of ALL business-controlled health care benefits, as long as (ONLY IF) getting rid of them is matched by an increase in the actual wage to make up for it.

Then each worker would be able to invest as much or as little as they want in the health plan of their choice. How could anyone argue with this? Does WMW really want Wal-Mart to make even more health care plan decisions for its workers?

Too bad for Walmart. A responsible corporate citizen has nothinbg to fear, and Walmart, you are not a responsible corporate citizen!

Michael D in Connecticut and Sickofspin:

Since you two are the big experts of what the U.S. Constitution says and what freedoms and RIGHTS it guarantees, tell us all where the constitution speaks of the “corporate citizen.” When you find the answer to this Michael D, I’m sure “it will undermine all of your thoughts and comments.” WE THE PEOPLE…

DIG THIS PEOPLE
1- Please look at your spelling before you submit you remarks.
2 - For those of you who are bashing unions you should be thanking them instead because if wasn’t for the unions in the 30’s and 40’s you would be living in a third world country with wages the same or worse than Mexico’s.  - assholes
3 - While your at it thank the veterans of our nations wars because if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be sitting having a debate at all.
4 - I think Edgarthe guy’s who support’s Edgar writttings are really Wal-Mart managers, please go to your own site this site is a union site andremember you hate us. and we don’t particularly like you either. vamoos all anti union scabs

Yes I just want to ask, I know that it use to be that the more people you have working for you the lower the premium for insurance does anyone know if that still holds true.  Also what and where did people shop before walmart.  If they are going to offer a healthcare plan then make it a good one.  If not I dont think taxpayers should have to carry the bill alone.  Also to Chad, I know people with college degrees that work for Walmart because they couldnt find anything else but just because a person doesnt have a degree doesnt make them less than a human.  Most walmart workers are at poverty level.  I know one that has been with the company for 16 years and makes 24000 a year which is much lower than 30000.  If it wasnt for unskilled workers who would ring up and bag your walmart items.

Bob

Let me see if I understand this.  You want this to be a free and open discussion about WM as long as all of the writers hate WM?  Have I got it right?

I am happy about one thing.  At least you are admitting this to be a union site.  A few weeks ago, a number of you were asking why we kept bringing up the union.

This is a site for the union, by the union and who ever it hurts be damned.  Right?

It’s about time somone finally pulled the"training wheels” out from Wal Mart.  If they cannot ride on their own, too bad. Let them go under.  With all this help from taxpayers they receive they destroyed so much.

For those of you who are bashing the unions you should be thanking them istead because if it wasn’t for the men and women in the 30’s and 40’s fighting for unions you would be making wages about what Mexico makes.

For those of you who are still bashing unions take a look at what your working conditions are like because they also were fought for and improved by the hard working union members of the past.

Correct all are not great but they could be much worse.

Do all of you anti union people know that people died trying to form unions to get you what you enjoy today.

As the veterans did for you in the wars the union organizers and prospective members died for you to enjoy what you have today. Think I’m kidding,s rent Silkwood or look up the steel industry and Carnegie or the fight in the coal mines to organize unions, people were shot companies hired union busters to go into your house and drag you to work or fight you because you went on strike for better wages.

Now for all of you assholes who think unions are not worth a red cent why is it that large corporations such as Wal-Mart and others fight union representation for their workers if they “aren’t going to help you” in any way. Might it be beause you have rights with a union and a voice with a union and equality to speak as managment speaks to you with a union without, I repeat without fear of reprisals. You union haters suck because if we as workers stood together we could accomplish so much together.

Stop and take a look at what the workers do in France when the corporations and government try to screw them, they shut the dam country down. Unorganized workers in this country are killing us who are still fighting for betterment of our childrens and grandchildrens livelihood.

Now, for those guy’s like Edgar and his supporters are probably walmart managers or manager wannabes who want to keep fighting for the pay inequity between management and the workers who actually do the work. Please go to your own site as you are not welcome on this union site, it is for workers only.

As you can see I am a union worker (USW) who will keep the fight going for those of you who are afraid to stand up for yourselves, such a pity we could all be winners in the standard of living race.

Join a union today and negotiate your standard of living remeber together we fight divided we beg - VOTE UNION YES.

Bob In WV

Sorry about the partial multiple posts dam computer anyway.

Big T
This is my first time to this site and if it isn’t a union site it is now and if you ain’t a union member you ain’t welcome.

Seriously Walmart has good and it has bad but the bad out weigh the good, example, when a majority of their meat department at a Texas walmart voted to be represenetd by a union what did walmart do in response, shut the meat department down and contracted out all of the work.

It is that kind of actions by walmart that generates all the negitives it receives and rightfully so and it is that kind of action that is going to destroy this country.

They suck money from every angle they can and when they move into a community they cause mom and pops to close because they can’t compete.

Do you know that walmart tells suppliers what they are going to pay for your products and if you don’t agree your product doesn’t see walmarts shelves.

What happens to all the money that walmart generates, it goes to who, overpaid executives and stock holders, what did the stock holders do other than put up a few bucks to get them started but they have reaped big bucks over the years at the expense of the workers and the executives figure out how to exploit the workers. Don’t you think that walmart could be a good corporate citizen. If walmart is as successful as they are being a bad corporate citizen just think what they could be if they were a good corporate citizen, worker friendly and hire more full time employees at good payng jobs with benefits instead of exploiting part timers.

Bob In WV

Bob in WV,

Please take the log out of your eye instead of worrying about the needle in other’s.  Your spelling is not a good representation.

Additionally, face it, the union movement is over with.  People don’t really need to be represented by others.  We all know what we are worth.

People: go build your own foundations so that you can stand firmly on your own.

Wal Mart:  Please continue to learn from your mistakes.

“DIG THIS PEOPLE
1- Please look at your spelling before you submit you remarks. “

This is what I am referencing.

John G.

I’m from WV not the refined city of St. Loius, Mo. what do you expect

Bob,

Well said.  Good luck the rest of the way.

If WalMart closes all its stores in Maryland, then the retail slack will be filled by more responsible retail companies.  Small retail companies might make a comeback.  Study after study has shown that WalMart does not create new jobs in a community; instead, it replaces the jobs that already exist in a community with lower-paid, benefit-less jobs at WalMart.  If WalMart closes its stores, the process would be reversed and the community as a whole will be better off.

Come on, WalMart, make my day, close your stores!!!!

The union movement is not dead. Unionism is a qay of thinking and feeling about how your worklife impacts the life of your family. Bad pay, poor benefits, cruel and indifferent managers have a negative impct on the lives of millions of American working families. Families that have financial problems(poverty) are more likely to raise children that have significant emotional problems in adulthood. Even worse when Mom and Dad come home from work, after being torn up by their supervisors, have to raise kids. Will those kids be emotionally and physically well off when they reach adulthood...nope! Standing up to Wal Mart and companies like Wal Mart will chnage peoples lives for the better. Many union members are like Washington’s soldiers in the darkest days of the American Revolution. They stay and keep up the fight because they know if they leave the battlefield unions lose the war. If unions lose the war… the American worker loses permanently. Keep on fighting....because Iwill!

Keith,

Yep, you are right, all the past union folks are the saints that CORRECTLY guided our lives.... NOT.

Hey look, I am in union heaven here in St. Louis.  Most of the union examples that I have in my area as examples are lazy and spiteful people.  They may be that way because they look back over the years at all the money that was taken from them for the individual benefit of few.

The world is becoming more global every day.  You might want to try to figure your place in the reality of our future as opposed to trying to figure out how to be like some past falacy.

Bob in WV

John G has it right.  I don’t really care whether I am welcome to this site or not.  When I see something with which I disagree, I will participate.

The stupidity of the statement “what did the stock holders do other than put up a few bucks to get them started” is beyond belief.  Where do I get onto this gravy train?  Could you further explain this?  I have a few bucks.  According to you, I can just take these few bucks, invest them in WM stock, and in just a couple of years I will be a millionare.

It is up to YOU, the individual to provide for your well-being.  It’s not the government’s job, it’s not Wal-Mart’s job to provide - it’s YOUR job to provide for your income, your shelter, your insurances, your savings, your material things.  Wal-Mart is an opportunity (take it or leave it), not a provision.  The Government’s job is to make sure opportunities exist, not provide them.

Maryland’s decision violates casts aside individual responsibility.  Maryland’s decision is nothing more than extortion, forcing Wal-Mart into how it is to administer a BENEFIT to its employees.

Big T in:

Your lack of knowledge about how Wal-Mart is screwing America, is only exceeded by your lack of knowledge about the stock market.  You stated: “According to you, I can just take these few bucks, invest them in WM stock, and in just a couple of years I will be a millionare.”

That’s right Big T!  This is the way is works.  But...it all has to do with timing.  WM’s stock has been getting beat back lately...any wonder?  You gotta know when to get in.  If you had invested as little as $5,000 in two little companies like McDonald’s and Microsoft 15-20 years ago, you’d be a millionaire many times over today.

To everyone on this site, it has come to my realization that arguing about this is pointless this new law is not to be enforced until Jan. 2007.  That is plenty of time for WalMart to appeal, and they should as it violates the Federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, which restricts Gov’t interference of employee benefits.  WalMart has 4.6 billion dollars in liqiud cash, and an enterprise value of 223 billion dollars with revenues in excess of 305 billion.  Who can touch that Wal Mart is doing everything as it should.  All the Unions combined cannot touch WalMarts cash flow.  As unions battle walmart thier cash flow slowly begins to diminish as they are doing battle without compensation.  I belive in order to be able to sustain themselves they need to fight for workers that want them WalMart associates do not want them that should be clear, as they are continuing to be denied.  Fight your fight in the sectors that need you, retail does not.  Fighting Walmart and its associates is a waste of your time and money, but then again you have someone else thinking for you you were born with a brain use it. 

Bob in WV-
I agree if it were not for the unions in the 20’s 30’s 40’s and even the 50’s this country would be much worse off.  However during the 60’s - present the focus of the unions have changed they are a business focused entity they are only interested in making money.  Unions have allowed foriegn companies and employees to infiltrate this country. Unions have out priced our goods and labor through thier efforts to grow.  Ask yourselves how much does the president of your union make per year compared to the CEO of WalMart.
And no I will not stay off your site not until you stay away from WalMart HA HA This site was created by you for my entertainment I will take complete advantage of it.

screwed

As usualy you insult without actually making a worthwhile point. 

I quote “ If you had invested as little as $5,000 in two little companies like McDonald’s and Microsoft 15-20 years ago, you’d be a millionaire many times over today.”

All you have to do to be as great as Michael Jordon is to be as talented as Michael Jordon.  Accurate, but pointless.

I can only conclude one thing.  You must have help with your posts.  No one could be that arrogant and stupid at the same time without help.

What a bunch of socialists.  Listen to yourselves!  A store that sells goods at lowest prices and employs people.  “Exploiting people”! People can quit anytime.  If Walmart is so bad why don’t they quit.  Everybody wants everything and they want the government to provde it for them.

Excellent post L in Ga.

How much does the State of Maryland devote to healthcare for its employees?  I’m a bit confused as to when health insurance became a right.  Maybe some of you folks who support this legislation could explain that.

Everyone has a choice when it comes to work.  If your employer doesn’t provide what you consider to be adequate benefits, leave.  If you can’t find a better position because of lack of appropriate skills, education, etc., correct your deficiency.  Otherwise quit your whinning and get on with your life.  Last I checked this country was a representative republic, not a socialist state.  If socialized medicine is so great why do people from countries with free healthcare come to the US for traetment?

Screwedby, are you referring to Stan in the Greenwald video?  Thesame Stan that KNEW that his subordinates were illegally adjusting associates times and he chose to ignore it?  That same Stan??  Stan “Mr.Integrity” Man???  And you believe all he has to say???  He should just keep his mouth shut.  Yet all of you WMW supporters don’t want to talk about that aspect, right???

WE THE PEOPLE.....Hmmm....I believe that these are the beginning words to the US Constitution, which I believe is a “contract” between the government and the country’s citizens, right?  Something like that......

walmarts entire philosophy is predicated on cannabilizing storesd which are already there. for every 100 people hired by walmart, 150 working elsewhere lose theirs. here in the northeast, when walmart arrived, first bradlees, then caldors (which was union), then ames all went belly up. with walmart bying most of their products from China (a communist country) the next war we fight may be fought with a barefoot army.

I understand the need for people to have access to reasonable health care.  As far as Wal Mart being forced to contribute a larger amount is ludacris.  I work for WalMart, and I participate in thier health insurance program, I agree it is expensive, if you are a person who visits your physician every time you have a cough or a fever.  But for the majority of the people who are healthy, but need some reasurrance insurance the plans are perfect.  There is no lifetime maximum benefit, and we have access to nearly any doctor and hospital we choose, including the Mayo Clinics.  Not many other companies offer that.  I do admit that the deductibles are high but in my opinion that is a good thing because it encourages me to remain healthy, it teaches me to be responsible for myself.  I have family who are on the state medicaid program and they spend more on health care than I do, or to get the same care if they were on WalMarts plan, including deductibles and premiums.  Befor you get to excited thinking I must be management I am not I am an hourly associate making a modest income and supporting a family of four. I have explored other retailers in the area but including Target, Home Depot, and Lowes.  None of them could come close to offering the same as WalMart, granted some of the pays were slightly better but thier health plans were not as attractive.  So if you are going to pick on WalMart maybe you should shine the light on all retailers.

go union in norwich ct in -

It is apparent to me that you do not understand what drives retail business or any business.  Otherwise you would not have mention those companies.  All of which were having financial problems long before WalMart came around.  The people chose who they wanted to give thier support to they chose WalMart and still do.  It is foriegn competition that is putting americans out of work we have over priced our labor it is funny because as we Americans struggle we make a decision to purchase goods or materials that are imported.  Of course WalMart buys its products overseas Americans can not afford to buy our own goods because the cost of producing them is too high.  For you union people were are in what is called a global economy what that means is that until unions can combine the US workforce with our Foriegn counterparts we will continue to give jobs to the foriegn compettition.  Time to wake up, this is your wake up call.

Nice one Go Union in Norwich,

Not!  Why do you think those Union places went out of bussiness?  Because they were not able to stay competitive and everyone there lost their jobs.  Unions have ruined the US auto industry and now it looks like they are moving onto other things.

I can’t believe the stupidity I read on this site.  It makes me feel good about myself.  Keep pushing on Walmart.  Love your stores...I wouldn’t want to shop anywhere else.  Go Walmart!

All I am saying is I think the government needs to pass legislation to outlaw successful businesses like Wal-Mart.  Let’s face it, Wal-Mart is a big part of the capitalist society we live in.  If we can destroy walmart, we are one step closer to socialism.

I think the next target should be Target!  Pun intended.  Anyway, they pay thier employees less then walmart and fewer of thier employees have benefits.  The only good thing about target is you don’t have to associate with poor people and minorities.  They do a pretty good job keeping them out of the store.  Anyway, I think the next thing they need to do is make it so walmart has to pay higher taxes then any other company.

What we really need is a strong president like Fidel Castro to implement reform.  Hopefully the demacrats will pick someone that has enough guts to make the party the supreme controller of American politics.  I hope MD can continue making such good decisions.  It is important that the American “Fidel” gets support from states.  We don’t want him to have to exacute to many political dissedents.

Anyway, that is my 2 cents.

Michael D. in Connecticut:

Yes indeed.  I’m referring to Stan Fortune in the Greenwald film.

I don’t pretend to know the circumstances surrounding his departure from Wal-Mart.  But maybe is was because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut any longer about what he knew and saw going on with in Wal-Mart.

I’ve read an awful lot of posts stating that “Wal-Mart is just a business, and they pay their employees what they think they’re worth.” Just keep that statement in mind when your employer refuses to give you a raise, cuts your COL allowances, reduces your benefits, or passes benefits costs to you.  This arguement is, in effect, saying that those employees that bust their butt to make Wal-Mart the most profitable retailer in the world aren’t worth a living wage and affordable health benefits.  In other words, Wal-Mart associates aren’t worth living?  I really hope that American consumers haven’t gotten so self-absorbed as to beleive having discounted merchandise is worth the livelyhood of another American.

I hate to say it, but pure capitalism doesn’t work.  It creates a situation where the rich get richer and the poor die off.  This situation is not acceptable in any civilized society.

On the other hand, pure socialism doesn’t work either.  It creates a situation where everything is regulated, and there is no motivation for innovation.

To my knowledge, there are no completely socialistic countries out there (some, like Canada and modern Germany, are closer than others), and total capitilist countries are riddled with crime.

What Wal-Mart does is push all available labor (directly with their own associates or indirectly by strong-arming suppliers) to communist countries (a social/economic system that is a proven failure in the long run).

I would personally prefer to be called a socialist than allow Wal-Mart’s practices to continue at the expense of thier employees.

The people that post in favor of this bill aren’t necessarily pro-union (or anti-union for that matter), and we definitely don’t want to see Wal-Mart go belly-up.  We are just wanting Wal-Mart to be a more responsible employer and citizen.  I’m sure the most profitable retailer in the world (with the second highest compensated CEO in retailing) could manage that.  After all, many smaller businesses do that.

By the way, we aren’t condoning Target, McDonalds, or any other American business that exploits their employees to increase profits.  We are concentrating on Wal-Mart because it has made the path that many of these other businesses are following.  Once Wal-Mart changes the path, others will follow.

Another arguement is “The United States is a free country, these people don’t have to work for Wal-Mart.” This arguement is flawed in two ways.  First, no American company, especially the biggest in the world, should be allowed to put their employees in a situation where they would have to find other work to afford basic necessities (without government assistance). 

Second, most employers that hire unskilled or low-skilled employees are outsourcing these jobs to countries where sweat-shop labor is legal.  In other words, most of these jobs don’t exist in the United States any more partially because of NAFTA and tariff elimination and partially due to retailers strong-arming their suppliers to reduce their prices.

During Sam Walton’s later years, he fought for his employees and got them more benefits, including truely affordable health care.  He even went as far as to show resentment for the practices that Wal-Mart has made into habit in the last decade or so (Read Sam Walton’s “Made In America").  To tell the truth, many of his original associates (hired in the ‘60s and ‘70s) are millionaires now, but that’s not possible for newer associates.  The executive staff (including H. Lee Scott, Jr., the second highest compensated CEO in retailing, and David Glass, the CEO that got Wal-Mart started in taking away the benefits from associates) has run Sam’s dream into the ground at the expense of his employees.

-------------

On a final note, someone said that Wal-Mart will have to take away employee bonuses to afford this program.  Hate to say it, but they effectively did.  Starting in Feb. 2005 (a little less than one year before the MD legislation was passed), Wal-Mart instituted a new bonus program that made it extremely difficult for store associates to get a bonus.  They said it was to make it fair for the associates in stores that didn’t carry groceries.  My local Wal-Mart had an $800 annual bonus per associate in 2004 (before taxes, of course), but due to the changes, they will not qualify for any bonus in 2005.  Most of the stores in southern WV are in the same boat.  I can just imagine how much Wal-Mart is saving (and putting on their bottom line) due to this.

Some of you people are the stupidest bunch of morons I’ve ever had the displeasure of reading.  You’re all happy that Maryland passed this asinine bill.  First, why does any business have to offer any type of health care to it’s employees?  They don’t.  They do it to try and recruit and keep good employees.  There is no constitutional right to health care.  Someone please show me.  Is it right after the right to bear arms, or the right to free speech?  I’m looking, but still can’t find the right to health care.  This site should be renamed, “We’re stupid people who have nothing better to do in our lives”.  I hope Wal-Mart does to Maryland what they did on Canada.  Close all the stores, put those 37K employees out of work, add them to the Maryland unemployment roles and then see who pays their health care costs.  I do feel bad for the employees, they are the ones who will probably suffer, through lay-offs, pay decreases, freezes, etc.  Maybe what they will do is stop paying into their 401K and pension plans for those employess.  Then they can blame all their state representatives in Maryland.  Let’s all use our common sense, Wal-Mart is a business, in business to make money, they are not going to take a loss on this; if you believe anything else, you are living in a fantasy world.  Hope the dragons and goblins don’t get you.

For Bob in WV:  You stated, “You union haters suck because if we as workers stood together we could accomplish so much together.”
What a laugh moron.  You’re not standing together as employees to accomplish anything.  You have “hired” somone to speak for you, much like the lobbyists in government, they’re hired to speak for a select group of people.  I’ve never needed to pay anyone to speak for me, I speak for myself.  I would have a lot more respect for “unions” if the employees themselves banded together and talked as one voice, not pay lobbyists to barter onn their behalf.  Call a spade a spade, you’re not a union in the true sense, the people who speak for you are lobbyists.
BTW, the reason WMT and other companies fight unions is because they don’t need them.  WMT employees can speak to management for themselves, they don’t need to pay someone to do it for them.
And, when is the last time you heard Wal-Mart laying off 30K - 50K employees?  You don’t because they aren’t bowing to the wishes of unions, having to pay someone $25 an hour to turn a wrench for eight hours a day.  They pay a reasonable wage for the work that is required.  And they offer minimal benefits to go along with it.  If you want more money and more benefits, they have the management program you can aspire to join.  Unlike Unions, the employees can make their own choices, they don’t have to pay someone to make the choices for them. 
Unions had their place in American history, but that is exactly where they should be left, in American history; there is no place for them in society today.

Wal-Mart does a better job of helping out the less fortunate than the government does.  Wal-Mart employs people, provides opportunity, sells goods at an affordable prices.  Keeps people busy and out of trouble.  They contribute to their community and donate to causes such as what they did for the victims of hurricane Katrina.

In contrast, the government just hands out checks (your money), creates a cycle of dependency, and spending deficits increase, causing the government to ask for more of your money.

Which ‘model’ makes more sense?

To Rob in Carrolton Va, I work for walmart and for the amount of work we have to do no we are not paid well.  Also we can talk to management all day but it doesnt mean they are going to listen or solve problems.  Every year the company takes something or some benefit away from us.  Like Chord in West Virginia said, we use to get a bonus for having a good inventory, now they implemented a new program which they told us was seperate from the old bonus program, well guess what they lied.  Now the bonus is based on accidents.  We just found out that we are not getting a bonus at all.  Lets talk about profit sharing.  As I understand it when a company makes a profit they share it with their employees, so since Walmart boasts of making a good increase this past year shouldnt money go into our accounts but no instead money is being taken out.  Why?  To build stores overseas.  Lets talk about the internal memo talking about long term associates costing more money for the company.  Doesnt loyalty mean anything anymore.  No I know Walmart doesnt have to offer us anything but what is the solution for unskilled workers to get or afford medical care.  Because they dont have college degrees they are not entitiled to make a living wage or have access to medical care.  If Walmart took care of their people and treated them with a little dignity they wouldnt have to worry about unions.  Im also sick of hearing how Walmart provides low prices for low income families, well high income families also shop there.  What difference does it make what income some one has?  We do all the work and we are not getting a bonus but our management is.

Rob in Carrollton, VA:

Your challenge for anyone “to show you” where the Constitution mandates the government to provide healthcare is meaningless.  You can keep looking...but you won’t find it...because it’s not specifically there.  No where in the Constitution is there any mention of “the good corporate citizen” either.

Likewise...YOU and a few others can’t prove the government shouldn’t provide healthcare, or that the government is forbidden to provide healthcare.  Your statements to this effect are merely opinion.

Someone else on this blog pointed out the Constitution is a contract between the people and the government.  The Preamble states: “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union...” One has to wonder how something can be “more perfect”...but that’s another discussion.

A couple reasons given for establishing the Constitution was to “promote the general Welfare” and to “secure the Blessings of Liberty.”

The Declaration of Independence specifically states:  “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Another case could be made for mandating Federal or State governments to provide healthcare for citizens by looking to the 10th Amendment. It states: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” Get it?  The People have the right to tell the government what to do.  The Government is the employee of its citizens NOT of its “corporate citizens” like Wal-Mart.

The Declaration of Independence also cautions that “Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes.” But it also stipulates that when there is a “long train of abuses and usurpations” it is the right of citizens, “it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”

So Rob in Carrollton, you can relax...nobody can “prove to you” the Constitution specifically provides the right to healthcare.  However, neither YOU or anyone else can’t prove that it doesn’t.  Now answer this: What do you think it means that “all men are created equal” and entitled to the RIGHT of “Life.” Shouldn’t there be a discussion of the quality of this so-called “Life?” Maybe when we can have our elected leaders define this, we will be closer to answering the question of whether government is responsible for healthcare or not.

We do all the work and we are not getting a bonus but our management is.

kathy in aiken
Monday, January 16 at 08:03 PM

Sounds like every company in america.  You say the bonus program is still out that but now its based on safty?  Ins’t that a good thing.  I rather work at a store that is safe with a messy inventory, then one that is unsafe but the inventroy is clean.

“Sorry you sliped and broke your leg, But Hey lease the boxes look clean”

Now for all of you assholes who think unions are not worth a red cent why is it that large corporations such as Wal-Mart and others fight union representation for their workers if they “aren’t going to help you” in any way. Might it be beause you have rights with a union and a voice with a union and equality to speak as managment speaks to you with a union without, I repeat without fear of reprisals. You union haters suck because if we as workers stood together we could accomplish so much together.

Why are union representives fighting for wal-mart workers.
Simple Union membership has been droping for years, which means union dues have been droping. So if im a union leader i going to go after the richest company i see.  Unions are nothign more then ambulance chasing lawyers looking for the next target to score a profit.

Last year 3 companys closed in my city all were union based.  2 out of 3 of them close becaused union members wouldnt agree to slighty lower benfits.  They companys who were facing bankrupticy had to close. So dont give me the union members are happier at ther job statment.  Dont think many of them were smiling in the unemployment line.  Luckly for them the union was there to save them?

To Kathy:  I’m sorry you are so disgruntled with Wal-Mart.  My wife works for Wal-Mart also and every time she goes on one of her tirades about this or that I tell he to quit and go work for someone else.  One time she actually started looking for other work and do you know what?  She couldn’t find anything comparable, in pay, benefits, etc.  So she stayed.  Now every time she starts to rant, I remind her of that and she stops and thinks for a minute and realizes, there is not much more out there that is better for people without a college degree.  She could very well have been on the management team many times, they asked she said no, she doesn’t want the headache associated with that.  Maybe she’s one of the only people that believes she is paid for what she does, although she would like more money, like all of us, she feels she is compensated fairly for the work she does.  And, also unlike all these morons who talk about working off the clock, not getting paid for overtime, etc., she has never been asked to do that, in 14 years, and she wouldn’t do it if asked.  I think some of these people are either spineless or they are lying, not sure which.
As for profit sharing most companies don’t share their profits with employess, at least not hourly employees; companies might share with salary employees but profit money is normally reinvested in the company whether through stock buy backs or building new stores, hiring more employees, CEO compensation, etc. 
I’ve said this on other blogs about Wal-Mart, this is not a job that you can feed, clothe, house, etc., a family on.  Either you need two incomes or you need to find a different job.  My wife could probably support herself if she had to, but it would be tough.  There are other opportunities out there for people who want to do it, that is the problem many people want everything handed to them (please don’t think I’m lumping you in this category) and are mad at the world because they aren’t Bill Gates.  Retail is what it is, it will never pay what doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc. make.  And lastly, remember, Wal-Mart isn’t about being your friend, they are a publically traded company that has to satisfy it’s stock holders or they will leave, and that would not be good for anyone.

Unions are nothign more then ambulance chasing lawyers looking for the next target to score a profit.

Timmy in Fort Wayne, IN
Tuesday, January 17 at 06:54 AM

Omg that statment is so funny

I work for wm and the budget for overnight maint. is for 8 full time people. how many people do we have? 3 is enough according to the store manager. you ever try to sweep wash strip wax dust clean bathrooms etc in a 183000 sf store with 3 people? And how much do i make? 10.15 an hour. the other 2 people that work with me were hired after me and somehow make more yet neither one can strip and wax a floor. WM a fair co..I think not. So before you say we dont work hard try it first. how would you like to be locked in a building and told cant go outside on your break? We cant talk or laugh much because that must mean we cant do our job and talk at the same time according to managers.
Every single night we are told we did a great job the previous night but tonight we need to do just a littkle more.
Oh and how would you like to do your job with 60% of the lights turned off? The store closes at 10 and at 1030 off go the lights and the heat or air conditioning all controlled in Arkansas

To All,
I just wanted to share some interesting information I found.  This is about healthcare in NJ, they apparently have the same issue as MD.  The interesting thing I found is they broke down the number of adults and children that were benefiting from the state healthcare system.  In the retail sector (all retail) there were 1433 adults registered and 7572 children.  If we go out on a big limb and assume that all 1433 adults are single parents that equates to 5.2 children per family, which is more than 2x the national average.  If we assume that some of the 1433 adults are married couples then the ratio goes up. 
My initial thinking is these numbers are either skewed, wrong, or it’s missing some information that would help these numbers make sense.
However, if the numbers are accurate, it’s no wonder these people can’t afford healthcare for their families.  I personally make decent money, but if my family size was 7-8 people I don’t know that I could afford adequate healthcare. 
Not trying to blame these people for this, but I don’t think anyone that has a 7-8 person family is going to make enough money at WMT, KMT, TGT, 7-11, etc., to afford healthcare.
My humble perception is that maybe the problem isn’t the healthcare system or a company’s involvement, maybe it comes down to something as innocuous as taking personal responsibilities in our lives for things such as family size, education, living situations, etc.
Isn’t it always easier to blame someone else for our trouble than to accept the fact that we had something to do with the situations we find ourselves in?
I take personal responsibility for everything I have done in my life to include the education I received, my job choices, my family choices, etc., and I don’t expect the government to subsidize me because of the choices, good and bad, that I have made.  Maybe if everyone felt and acted this way we wouldn’t have a need for all the social programs we have to include state/federal supported healthcare.

A friend of mine directed me toward this site because he thought I’d get a kick out of it. I sure have. Most of the WMW supporters argue like 5th graders. I see little more than groundless assaults on pro-Wal-Mart statements and, when those are challenged, name calling and spelling corrections. How can you expect to be taken seriously? Can’t you lay out your position logically while quoting unbiased sources for your “facts”? There are some fine criticisms against Wal-Mart that can be stated articulately, but none of them appear to be here. The most rational individuals on this site are those supporting Wal-Mart. (That is not to say that all Wal-Mart proponents on this site know what they are talking about. Some clearly do not.)

I apologize to any intelligent Wal-Mart critics whose posts I may have overlooked. I would like to make clear that my comments are not directed at you. Unfortunately, this is a case of being judged by the company you keep. When that company includes a complete idiot like ScrewedbyWal-Mart you should expect to be judged harshly. No one wants to read the repetitive, mindless drivel that continuously spews from his keyboard. I for one am not going to sift through all the refuse on here just to find two or three solid statements. I doubt there are many reasonable people out there that would. Once again, I apologize if I have offended anyone with a valid opinion.

Someone:

Love you too!  Yes...by all means, please share with all of us the “fine criticisms against Wal-Mart” that are stated “articulately” in your opinion.

Please “enlighten” us.  If these “fine criticisms” of Wal-Mart don’t appear here...we certainly want to make sure they do!

If you haven’t had a chance to read “The World Is Flat” by Thomas Friedman, you need to read it.  Whether you like Wal-mart or not, globalization is what is happening to the world today.  Either America will continue to innovate and produce goods and services of value to the world, or the world will produce goods and services of superior value at lower costs.  In my humble opinion, the net effect of labor unions in America is becoming the loss of American jobs and the migration of industry to the rest of the world. 
I do find it interesting that support or hatred of Walmart is increasingly falling along political lines.  This website is run by former members of Sen Kerry’s campaign staff and other prominent democrats, and pro-union groups with socialist leanings are contributors.  Democrats have decided to target Walmart, and this website is one of their methods of developing grass roots support for the ‘06 senate races and the ‘08 presidential elections.  I think people who comment on this website should clearly state if they are attempting to promote their political party. 
For the record, I am a US Marine, and I support conservatives, most recently President Bush.

Joe

8% Wal-Mart tax in Maryland? Congratulations! You just raised prices for the low and middle income customers who shop in your state.

This website and people who want politicians to dictate any part of a business are scary.

If the 1.3 million Wal-Mart employees don’t like there benefits why don’t they quit and find employment elsewhere? Why must scumbag politicians be called in to create a new tax? If Maryland or any other state thinks this tax will help their financial woes they are wrong. Politicians need to look no further than the mirror to see who’s raping the taxpayers.

Jack in NYC - “I also like your idea of the stock enema.  Walmart would go belly up quickly.”
Jack in NYC
Friday, January 13 at 06:49 AM

THAT IS THE DUMBEST THING I HAVE EVER READ. THAN 1.3 MILLION OF YOUR FELLOW CITIZENS WOULD BE UNEMPLOYED.

The give me, give me, give me attitude in this country must go! If you want to be lazy and subsidized by the government than move to France or Germany.

WalMart’s ability to offer low prices has come substantially from its success in shifting its costs onto the government.  Health Insurance costs is one of those costs.  The State of Maryland has successfully shoved back at WalMart and stated that it needs to pay its Fair Share of Health Insurance costs.  Yeah!
DeeDee in
Friday, January 13 at 09:50 AM

Wal-mart does not have to offer any benefits at all DeeDee!

Fighter Pilot in Newport:  That’s awfully nice of you to support George W.

I noticed you signed your post as a “fighter pilot.” Do you also support George W’s request for another $80+ billion dollars for the war in Iraq some time ago, yet we can’t seem to supply your fellow marines on the ground with adequate body armor.

Hey Idiot in WM in CT…
wal-mart doesn’t have any 183000 sq ft stores in CT that are closed at 10pm....you are full of shit...stop lieing about your job....

the only stores that large are supercenters, and they don’t close at night…

frickin’ liar!!!!!!!!!!!!

Screwedby, i can’t hold back any longer....

your references to and inferences of the Constitution and the DOI are idiotic at best....

Michael D. in Connecticut:

Nice to hear from you again!  You know...I don’t think many other people who read these blog messages, realize what a wonderful resource you are!  Here we have a Wal-Mart Manager that can give us “the truth” as to how Wal-Mart operates and how it treats its employees.  Let’s everyone be real nice to Michael...maybe he’ll give us the REAL story on Wal-Mart.

First of all Michael...it’s a curious thing to hear that you consider references to the U.S. Constitution and the D.O.I. to be “idiotic.” (more opinion from you) I’m curious to know if you feel that only Republican, church-going, hawkish, jingoistic, flag on the lapel-wearing individuals are the only ones entitled to talk about these things.

As for Idiot in WM’s comments, I’ll defer to your knowledge of the Wal-Mart’s in Connecticut.  I’m throwing this out as a possibility though.  Could “Idiot” perhaps work at a Wal-mart that isn’t in Connecticut, but maybe close by?  Maybe he crosses state lines...that’s very common out East.

Secondly, “Idiot’s” comments were pretty specific.  He told us what he makes and what the store is budgeted for.  Can you tell us if he’s all wrong....how many people does Wal-Mart use to typically clean a 183,000 sq ft store?  Does it turn off 60% of the lights in stores when it closes? Why can’t overnight workers go out of the store to take a break...especially on a nice warm summer night?  Are these all “lies?” Please share with us Michael.  We’re listening.

I do not consider the DOI or the Constitution to be idiotic, only your references to them being the reason why the government should intervene in benefits administration.  I love this country.

I guess that Idiot could work over the state line, but to the best of my knowledge, we do not have any stores that size along the entire state’s borders.  If it IS a store that size, it is a SuperCenter, and it is therefore open 24 hours per day....it does not close at 10pm, and it doesn’t lock its doors....

I can assure you that a 183000 sq ft store is budgeted for more than 3 associates on the floor crew nightly....my 94000 sq ft store is budgeted for 4, 5, or 6 floor crew associates nightly....

No, Wal-Mart does not turn off 60% of its lights when it closes for the night.  We have a lighting system called Energy Management, and it turns off every third light once the store closes, so I guess that would be 33% of its lights.  This is an energy conservation issue, but I can assure you that there is more than adequate lighting in a store overnight.

Overnight workers MOST CERTAINLY can go out to take a break.  My store is a prime example.  Breaks at 12pm, 2pm (lunch) and 4pm....associates go outside during every break period in my store....

Fondly, your favorite WM resource.....

Excuse me my store is 163000 sf my mistake.
Michael READ my letter.. we are budgeted for 8 people but the store manager will NOT hire any more than the 3 we have. We are not allowed to go out on our breaks because we are on company time. Our lunch is 230-300 and yes we can go out but cannot get back in until 3. Real safe huh?
Every third light is on in our store so that equals 66% if my math is right. You ever try to strip a floor with improper lighting? Can you live comfortably on your wal mart wage? If you feel you make what you deserve than you must be worthless

Idiot in WM:

Sorry!  I gotta side with Michael on this one.  1 out of 3 lights is 1/3 or 33%.  Geeze...the silly things we have to keep addressing here!

Could you clear up if you actually work at a store in CT?  I suspected you might possibly work at some WM outside of CT.

Sickofspin in The Heart of America…..Pardon my ignorance on much of this subject but I’d like to know this….You said “Wal-Mart pays more than is required, Wal-Mart extends more benefits than is required.” Who’s requirements are you speaking of?  I am amazed that you assume I am a liberal. Sick of spin, please don’t tell me what I am. Like most people in our country I am not just of one belief or frame of mind. Your suggestion that my sister had an obligation to improve herself…Period, was given out of ignorance of her situation. Take a woman of 55, widowed, with no life insurance or funds remaining after the death of her terminally ill husband and throw in, no work experience, I believe you might feel or think differently. You might say, Well atleast WM gave her a job, yes this is true. Had they not and had our father not helped she would have been thrown into total dependency on family members. Of course we all would have helped her but she was determined to do the best she could with the little she had. Pardon me but I’ll make the assumption you are a stupid stupid man with stupid stupid points of view.

Every third light is on! Michael have we met? Are you the store manager in Putnam?

jo in Castle Rock:

There’s no need to “apologize.” Anyone who’s been reading these blogs for more than a month knows that SICKofspin is the ignoramous here!

In reference to SICKO, you stated: “I’ll make the assumption you are a stupid stupid man with stupid stupid points of view.” This is no assumption.  It’s a fact!

Thank you! http://www.dirfor.com/India/ business yellowpages. international directory: yellow pages of many countries, add your firm, business organization directory. Also http://www.dirfor.com/China/ and [link=http://www.dirfor.com]companies of the world[/link] from yellow pages .

Remember Main Street U.S.A.? A place where families could go to shop and meet with other members of their community? Is the memory of a community downtown why so many towns are working to revive their “downtown”. I’ll bet so. We need to stay connected with each other in order to stop the the lack of moral growth. I don’t think people are sensitive to each others needs anymore. So, why does one company like Wal-Mart need to open so many stores, effectively ruining family owners businesses. When is point when you’ve made enough money and can SHARE in the continued growth of this great country? ANSWERS PLEASE!

HEY CAROLYN...NO ANSWERS BUT GOOD POINT!

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