Walmart

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Boy, WalMart Corp. sure sucks, don't they?

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-01-2005/0004098910&EDATE=

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Following President
Bush's announcement today that former Presidents Bush and Clinton will lead a
nationwide fundraising effort to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, Wal-
Mart President and CEO Lee Scott contacted President Clinton and the White
House and committed $15 million from Wal-Mart to jump-start the effort.
As part of this commitment, Wal-Mart will establish mini-Wal-Mart stores
in areas impacted by the hurricane. Items such as clothing, diapers, baby
wipes, food, formula, toothbrushes, bedding and water will be given out free
of charge to those with a demonstrated need.
Wal-Mart previously donated $2 million in cash to aid emergency relief
efforts and has been collecting contributions at its 3,800 stores and CLUBS,
and through its web sites [www.walmartfacts.com, http://www.walmart.com,
http://www.walmartfoundation.org, http://www.walmartstores.com, http://www.samsclub.com].
Through its Associate Disaster Relief Fund, the company will also give
displaced associates immediate funds for shelter, food, clothing and other
necessities.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood
Markets and SAM'S CLUBS in all fifty states. Internationally, the company
operates in Puerto Rico, Canada, China, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, United
Kingdom, Argentina and South Korea. The company's securities are listed on
the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT.



SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.walmartstores.com

[WaffleHut]

maybe im missing something, but why do they suck?

[fireguy919]

Think was George’s style of sarcasm. :)

[KyleWickman]

;) Look for the tongue firmly planted in Georges cheek.

[FFTrainer]

George... is this our Friday morning dose of sarcasm???

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Title got your attention, didn't it?

I did some financial calculations. I have determined (using Boonton math, so it wasn't easy) that WalMart has donated approxomately $17 million dollars more than France, Kuwait, and every other country that we have bailed out in the last 100 years or so.

All of you who criticize WalMart can go to hell.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Take it easy George. Walmart is doing their part. Just like all of us are. Walmart can afford to give that much. We are getting a Wal mart in the town where I work. To get them to build, they demanded a 50% property tax break..So I am not quite ready to elevate Wal Mart to sainthood just yet.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Take it easy George. Walmart is doing their part. Just like all of us are. Walmart can afford to give that much. We are getting a Wal mart in the town where I work. To get them to build, they demanded a 50% property tax break..So I am not quite ready to elevate Wal Mart to sainthood just yet.

Did they get it?

WalMart didn't ride into town and hold a gun to your head. Somebody must have invited them in.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

The town I work is majority minority(85-90%). We need jobs in this region. half of something is better then nothing. Go about 8 miles from here. Wal Mart is getting no tax breaks..Figure it out for yourself.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

The town I work is majority minority(85-90%). We need jobs in this region. half of something is better then nothing. Go about 8 miles from here. Wal Mart is getting no tax breaks..Figure it out for yourself.

Figure what out for myself? That WalMart is courageous enough to open stores in communities where no other similar company will and provides jobs (and BTW, money) to these communities that sorely need jobs? I personnaly do not care what color people are. In lower income areas, the need is for secure jobs. WalMart is here to stay.

[FFTide]

I hate Wal-Mart!

But then again I'm a city planner and have seen plenty of what they've done to downtowns and mom & pops all around the

But as for the $15M about time they step up and give back a fraction of what they've taken from us.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

I hate Wal-Mart!

But then again I'm a city planner and have seen plenty of what they've done to downtowns and mom & pops all around the

But as for the $15M about time they step up and give back a fraction of what they've taken from us.

The problem with your theory is that the corporation is so succesful. The bottom line is:

PEOPLE WANT WALMART!

They want to be able to buy products at as low of a cost as possible. Too friggin' bad if they choose to patronize WalMart instead of the mom and pops. If people were so offended by WalMart, they wouldn't shop there.

The botom line is, if you do the research, that WalMart is one of the top philanthropic corporations in the country.

[FFTrainer]

Yea that part of Wal-Mart does suck but its the same for Home Depot and Lowes... they simply over power the mom and pop store. We are partially to blame with our "one stop shop" attitude!

On the other hand.. in a situation like this they have both financial means and warehouses of supplies to make a huge difference.

[FFTide]

The problem with your theory is that the corporation is so succesful. The bottom line is:

PEOPLE WANT WALMART!

I don't WANT it...

I don't shop at those places.

I do remember the time I needed like 2 screws, tried to find a small hardware store that would ID what I needed and sell me just 2 screws, nope had to go to Home Depot and buy a whole asst. of screws.

And Wal-Mart, noone there can help you. I had to go to one at night (because was the only thing open) because we had a fly problem, I needed fly paper, finally found it in a sea of everything else and had to stand on line for 15 minutes to buy a 1 dollar item , I was tempted to walk out and just throw a buck at the register as I walked by.

We as Americans are so spoiled it's unbelieveable, we expect everything in one place and at one low price.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

You throw around the word "courageous" pretty casually George.

[ameryfd]

The problem with your theory is that the corporation is so succesful. The bottom line is:

PEOPLE WANT WALMART!

They want to be able to buy products at as low of a cost as possible. Too friggin' bad if they choose to patronize WalMart instead of the mom and pops. If people were so offended by WalMart, they wouldn't shop there.

The botom line is, if you do the research, that WalMart is one of the top philanthropic corporations in the country.

Problem with your theory is that if you look at the percentage of gross income that "mom and pops" donate to thier respective communities compared with the percentage of gross income that Walmart puts back in there is a huge discrepancy. Just do a little investigating.

Problem with your theory is that Walmart does not offer this wonderful job creation and economic boom to communities. In Wisconsin, the state is looking to sue Walmart because Walmart employees comprise the largest segment of the polpulation recieving tax funded welfare and medicade.

Problem with your theory is that the reason that Walmart offers lower prices is because they walk a grey line when it comes to fair business practices. Case in point... the mom and pop appliance store has a 15 day invoicing from their suppliers when they purchase inventory for thier stores. Because of Walmarts economic prowess they have forced the suppliers to carry the inventory invoice until the item is purchased without and interest fee on the inventory. Mom and Pops cannot compete with that sort of leverage.

Give credit where credit is due. They are stepping up to the plate like thousands of other businesses in the country during this time of need. But let's not equate them to the second coming of Christ. Furthmore....just because someone else doesn't see the destroyer of rural America through the same rose colored glasses as you doesn't mean we should "go to hell".

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Our small Local is donating a sum to the IAFF disaster relief fund that totals almost 5% of our treasurery. We are doing it to directly help our Brother and Sisters in the Gulf Coast. It's the right thing to do but it doesnt make us any better then anyone else.

[BHFF22]

I hate Wal-Mart!

But then again I'm a city planner and have seen plenty of what they've done to downtowns and mom & pops all around the

But as for the $15M about time they step up and give back a fraction of what they've taken from us.

I hate walmart also

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Problem with your theory is that if you look at the percentage of gross income that "mom and pops" donate to thier respective communities compared with the percentage of gross income that Walmart puts back in there is a huge discrepancy. Just do a little investigating.

Problem with your theory is that Walmart does not offer this wonderful job creation and economic boom to communities. In Wisconsin, the state is looking to sue Walmart because Walmart employees comprise the largest segment of the polpulation recieving tax funded welfare and medicade.

Problem with your theory is that the reason that Walmart offers lower prices is because they walk a grey line when it comes to fair business practices. Case in point... the mom and pop appliance store has a 15 day invoicing from their suppliers when they purchase inventory for thier stores. Because of Walmarts economic prowess they have forced the suppliers to carry the inventory invoice until the item is purchased without and interest fee on the inventory. Mom and Pops cannot compete with that sort of leverage.

Give credit where credit is due. They are stepping up to the plate like thousands of other businesses in the country during this time of need. But let's not equate them to the second coming of Christ. Furthmore....just because someone else doesn't see the destroyer of rural America through the same rose colored glasses as you doesn't mean we should "go to hell".

Until all of the other major corporations step up to the plate in the same magnitude-yes it does. "Destroyer of rural America"? Hardly.

Can you provide a source for your study of philanthropic giving by "mom and pop" businesses?

It's an insult to insinuate that I acquanited this donation to the second coming. But it still is more than any other corp.-as fas I can research_ has done.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Our small Local is donating a sum to the IAFF disaster relief fund that totals almost 5% of our treasurery. We are doing it to directly help our Brother and Sisters in the Gulf Coast. It's the right thing to do but it doesnt make us any better then anyone else.

It certainly makes you better than those who do not donate.

[SamsonFCDES]

Things I hate about Walmart:

- Endlessly searching up and own row and rows of stuff looking for my GF.
- The nearest one is 70 miles away.
- A lot of their crap breakes, you get what you pay for.
- Those barny trains and such in the entry way.
- Door greeters
- They hurt small bussness folks
- They are supposed to save you money...yet I still always end up paying for a huge amount of crap


Things I like about Walmart:

- That its 70 miles away
- They donate a lot of money
- They have Xboxes set up so I can pass time waiting for my GF to get done shopping
- The fish tanks
- Some have MyDonalds, I like crapy fast food once in a while.

[FFTide]

It certainly makes you better than those who do not donate.

Because we all have a score sheet in heaven. (*Note sarcasm George*)

[fireguy919]

I can not believe me and George are on the same page :) lol. When Wal-Mart came into our area it was a big relief. They created a lot of jobs. And brought a lot more business in to the area with them. All the mom and pop stores are still here. The only ones that went our was grocery type place and that was Giant Eagle that did that. Our Wal-Mart has helped up with a lot of things. We did a haunted corn maze for the last couple of years and they have helped with that the people that work there come and support us. We have received quite a few donations from them. To help by things like our AED and TIC. If it wasn’t for Wal-Mart or community would have been in deep troubles. When they come the bring other business with them. The people there are very into helping the community. Their safety committee gets us involved in their projects as well. We have had a lot of good PR thanks to them. My hats off to them. Thanks George for showing us how much Wal-Mart is giving back to help.

[cozmosis]

WalMart didn't ride into town and hold a gun to your head. Somebody must have invited them in.

Actually, it's not as easy as calling them and inviting them to town. The city I work for is a community of 15,000 and is growing by 1,000 every year. I believe that we are the largest community in the state of Arkansas without a Wal-Mart. Currently, we have no general merchandise store in the entire community. We've got 15,000 people and you have to leave town to buy underwear or a pair of jeans. If Wal-Mart wanted to come to town, I figure that the mayor would be out on the main drag ready to hug their necks.

[ameryfd]

Until all of the other major corporations step up to the plate in the same magnitude-yes it does. "Destroyer of rural America"? Hardly.

Can you provide a source for your study of philanthropic giving by "mom and pop" businesses?

It's an insult to insinuate that I acquanited this donation to the second coming. But it still is more than any other corp.-as fas I can research_ has done.

As much as an insult as it is to tell those of us whose communities have been hurt by walmart to "go to hell"

As far as a source....Specifically, mine came from several Chambers of Commerce in our area. Plus there are several sources mentioned in the book by Bill Quinn.

Consider this... Walmart had revenues last year of 287.5 billion dollars. The national average of small town business budgetary charitable giving around 10% of revenue. That includes things like donating the hotdogs for the church social or giving door prizes for the firemans raffle. That means Walmart needs to donate about 28.7 billion. Last year, Walmarts Charitable giving was $170 million....guess what George, that equals less than 1% of their revenue. Walk down to any Mom and Pop in your community (if Walmart hasn't forced them all out of business and ask them what percentage of their revenue went back to thier local community....I'm guessing every single one will tell you a number greater than 75/100ths of a percent.

Finally, tell those communities where Wal-mart came, ran the mom and pops out of business, then didn't make the revenue they need in thier economic model so they shut the walmart down and left the communities without anything...tell those communities that Walmart hasn't destroyed rural America. ;)

Oh yeah, let's not forget about Walmarts great impact on Federal taxpayers as well.....one 200-person Wal-Mart store may result in a cost to federal taxpayers of $420,750 per year – about $2,103 per employee. Specifically, the low wages result in the following additional public costs being passed along to taxpayers:

$36,000 a year for free and reduced lunches for just 50 qualifying Wal-Mart families.
$42,000 a year for Section 8 housing assistance, assuming 3 percent of the store employees qualify for such assistance, at $6,700 per family.
$125,000 a year for federal tax credits and deductions for low-income families, assuming 50 employees are heads of household with a child and 50 are married with two children.
$100,000 a year for the additional Title I expenses, assuming 50 Wal-Mart families qualify with an average of 2 children.
$108,000 a year for the additional federal health care costs of moving into state children’s health insurance programs (S-CHIP), assuming 30 employees with an average of two children qualify.
$9,750 a year for the additional costs for low income energy assistance.

In Georgia, one of 25 states where Wal-Mart happens to be the largest employer, over 10,261 children of Wal-Mart employees were recently found to be enrolled in the state's Peachcare program, which provides low-cost health insurance coverage to Georgia minors in families meeting federal poverty criteria. Six percent of Peachcare's September 2002 rolls (totalling 166,000cases) were children from Wal-Mart families, blowing away the enrollment level of the next highest private employer, Publix with 734 children.

[Smoke20286]

Yes WalMart surely sucks, it is a blight upon both our nations there are at least 5 occaisions in my country where WalMart simply closed their stores when discovering that their employees were attempting to form a union.

WalMart doesnt give a crap about the people of the gulf coast, they, like many others just see a to get some good PR.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

So, even though they have given more money (as of now) than anyone else, they don't give enough? Please.

Your source material is BS. I would like specifics. I am willing to be that you're 10% figure includes religious tithing. That skews the number dramatically. I would also like to know if the $170 million you cited for WalMart includes the discretionary money that each store can donate locally. I would also like to know if it includes the money donated by the WalMart foundation.

I cannot refute (right now) your stats about the effect on the welfare system. But you're probably right. It would be far better if these people were unemployed. You're trying to tell me that the "mpom and pops" have the ability to employ all these people and to pay them the same amount? Of course they don't. You're trying to tell me that people should not have the opportunity to purchase goods at the lowest possible price smply because there are local businesses that might be hurt? Of course they do. It is a basic tenet of economics. A new store comes to town and offers goods at lower prices and forces other businesses to either lower their prices or move along has been going on in this country for 200 years. It's called free enterprise and capitalism. And it is a good thing.

To prohibit these companies from coming in, IMHO, is an anti-trust violation.

For every story of a community "ruined" by WalMart, there is a story about communities, rural as well as inner city, that have been saved by WalMart.

[hoseheadmaps]

you can still hate the people who give out the money - just look at most of the people on welfare -they hate the republicans and g. bush but if theirs money being handed out, the stories different. why couldn't some of those people sitting around the superdome clean up their own mess - don't just sit there get up and do something instead of bitching and crying. the aid would have been there faster if the lowlife scumbags weren't looting and shooting people. the hurricane caused people to rape and pillage. those people should be ashamed of themselves

[Smoke20286]

So, even though they have given more money (as of now) than anyone else, they don't give enough? Please.


George, it has nothing to do with the money they have given to the relief effort WalMart remains a terrible organization to work for. It destroys local buisness and is anti worker and vehemantly anti-union. Lots of people are giving big money to the relief operation including Celine Dion, you can keep her too by the way

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

George, it has nothing to do with the money they have given to the relief effort WalMart remains a terrible organization to work for. It destroys local buisness and is anti worker and vehemantly anti-union. Lots of people are giving big money to the relief operation including Celine Dion, you can keep her too by the way

This is a union talking point that has no basis in fact. Several people have already called for the union vs. non-union crap to be left off of here.

[Smoke20286]

This is a union talking point that has no basis in fact. Several people have already called for the union vs. non-union crap to be left off of here.

Call away mate it is hardly crap that hundreds of people lose their jobs simply because a group of money grubbing bastards want to skim off more profit

[ameryfd]

So, even though they have given more money (as of now) than anyone else, they don't give enough? Please.

Your source material is BS. I would like specifics. I am willing to be that you're 10% figure includes religious tithing. That skews the number dramatically. I would also like to know if the $170 million you cited for WalMart includes the discretionary money that each store can donate locally. I would also like to know if it includes the money donated by the WalMart foundation.

IFor every story of a community "ruined" by WalMart, there is a story about communities, rural as well as inner city, that have been saved by WalMart.

OK George, since you've now not only told me to go to hell, now you're calling me a liar.

http://www.walmartfacts.com/docs/969_fy2004foundationgivingrele ase_416901112.pdf

Check your chamber of commerce. I am a member of one in my community. I KNOW what other local businesses (including mine) give as a percentage of revenues.

Oh yeah....the Walmart corporate line about it's OK that a significant number of our employees are on governmental assistance because at least they have a job....is a bunch of BS (to use your words). Let's talk about the high paying manufacturing jobs that have been lost because the nations #1 retailer has decided to buy foriegn made crap. Wanna source? How about the Washington times...

"More than 80 percent of the 6,000 factories in Wal-Mart's worldwide database of suppliers are in China. Wal-Mart estimates it spent $15 billion on Chinese-made products last year, accounting for nearly one-eighth of all Chinese exports to the United States. If the company that Sam Walton built with his "Made in America" ad campaign were itself a separate nation, it would rank as China's fifth-largest export market, ahead of Germany and Britain".

We can discuss this point like adults or we can sit and call people names and tell them to go to hell....your choice.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

OK George, since you've now not only told me to go to hell, now you're calling me a liar.

http://www.walmartfacts.com/docs/969_fy2004foundationgivingrele ase_416901112.pdf

Check your chamber of commerce. I am a member of one in my community. I KNOW what other local businesses (including mine) give as a percentage of revenues.

Oh yeah....the Walmart corporate line about it's OK that a significant number of our employees are on governmental assistance because at least they have a job....is a bunch of BS (to use your words). Let's talk about the high paying manufacturing jobs that have been lost because the nations #1 retailer has decided to buy foriegn made crap. Wanna source? How about the Washington times...

"More than 80 percent of the 6,000 factories in Wal-Mart's worldwide database of suppliers are in China. Wal-Mart estimates it spent $15 billion on Chinese-made products last year, accounting for nearly one-eighth of all Chinese exports to the United States. If the company that Sam Walton built with his "Made in America" ad campaign were itself a separate nation, it would rank as China's fifth-largest export market, ahead of Germany and Britain".

We can discuss this point like adults or we can sit and call people names and tell them to go to hell....your choice.

I didn't call you a liar. I said that the source material you "cited" was BS. Telling me that you "know" how much people give is not a source. The source material you provided on WalMart giving is enlightening and informative.

Unfortunately, the issue of the amount of goods that are manufactured overseas is a serious one-one that scares me. But to even remotely suggest that it is solely the fault of big bad WalMart is not right. Go into ANY retailer, big obx or Mom and Pop. See how easy it is to buy USA. It is a far larger problem that simply was not caused by WalMart.

[WebFire]

One thing that makes me chuckle is listening to people rip apart Wal-Mart and fight almost to death to keep it from coming into town. Then when it opens, they go shop there weekly. :rolleyes:

The next town over had a Wal-Mart coming to town and all the news was about the residents' resistance to it. Protests, petitons, the whole deal. But guess what. It has been busier than hell since it opened.

[WebFire]

Oh, and it created like 350 jobs in a somewhat poor county. And no small Mom 'n Pops have went away that I know of.

[WebFire]

"More than 80 percent of the 6,000 factories in Wal-Mart's worldwide database of suppliers are in China. Wal-Mart estimates it spent $15 billion on Chinese-made products last year, accounting for nearly one-eighth of all Chinese exports to the United States. If the company that Sam Walton built with his "Made in America" ad campaign were itself a separate nation, it would rank as China's fifth-largest export market, ahead of Germany and Britain".

Oh ok. I bet if I walked into your house and looked around, 80 % of what YOU HAVE BOUGHT was made overseas.

[coldfront]

:) The problem with your theory is that the corporation is so succesful. The bottom line is:

PEOPLE WANT WALMART!

They want to be able to buy products at as low of a cost as possible. Too friggin' bad if they choose to patronize WalMart instead of the mom and pops. If people were so offended by WalMart, they wouldn't shop there.

The botom line is, if you do the research, that WalMart is one of the top philanthropic corporations in the country.


The people don't have choice.Wal-Mart is the only game (most small) town.
The america dream at work.I feel their grip tighting around mom and pop as I type!!!!!!!!

[ehs7554]

The union hates Wally World but they love the union(that makes no sense) (cause everyone shops there at one time or another). Good for old Sammy Walton.

[ameryfd]

Oh ok. I bet if I walked into your house and looked around, 80 % of what YOU HAVE BOUGHT was made overseas.

:confused: Dude, you don't know me and your wrong....anyway, the jist of this fourm isn't premised on what a wonderful person I am, I think it has something to do with Walmart :rolleyes:

[FTMPTB15]

For every job that a Wal-Mart creates, I'd be willing to bet that 2-3 "Moms and Pops" lose their job/source of income. Wal-Mart has successfully driven America away from supporting local business and is creating a Monopoly. Small businesses can not do anything when a Wal-Mart comes into town, they simply can not compete with a Corp. as large as Wally. It is ridiculous that Wal-Mart does not care about these people's livelyhood and would rather throw up another (unnecessary) store. No one can deny the fact that Wal-Mart forces small businesses to close due to their inability to be able to compete. In a day and age when everything is becoming less personal, it would be nice to be able to go to a Moms and Pops store and have a pleasant shopping experience all while supporting some locals (who turn around and support our community). But noooooo everyone is sooo excited about probably the worst shopping experience ever. Ask anyone in Wal-Mart where something is and I'd bet they couldn't tell you.. or they will give you a general area of the store where it MIGHT be found. Why? Because that store is the most cluttered/disorganized store ever. Oh, and those blue vests that they wear are all misprinted items. They meant to read, "How may I not help you."

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

For every job that a Wal-Mart creates, I'd be willing to bet that 2-3 "Moms and Pops" lose their job/source of income. Wal-Mart has successfully driven America away from supporting local business and is creating a Monopoly. Small businesses can not do anything when a Wal-Mart comes into town, they simply can not compete with a Corp. as large as Wally. It is ridiculous that Wal-Mart does not care about these people's livelyhood and would rather throw up another (unnecessary) store. No one can deny the fact that Wal-Mart forces small businesses to close due to their inability to be able to compete. In a day and age when everything is becoming less personal, it would be nice to be able to go to a Moms and Pops store and have a pleasant shopping experience all while supporting some locals (who turn around and support our community). But noooooo everyone is sooo excited about probably the worst shopping experience ever. Ask anyone in Wal-Mart where something is and I'd bet they couldn't tell you.. or they will give you a general area of the store where it MIGHT be found. Why? Because that store is the most cluttered/disorganized store ever. Oh, and those blue vests that they wear are all misprinted items. They meant to read, "How may I not help you."

Sooooo.....

We should prohibit all Web Shopping sites because they offer goods at low prices and can drive mom and pop out of business? We should dismantle Home Depot. Lowe's Petco, Staples, KMart and all the other superstores because they offer low prices? Get real. It's basic economics.

WalMart IS a local business. It employs hundreds of local people. It supports local charities. It is a good clean business offering people what they want-low prices.

[FTMPTB15]

[QUOTE=GeorgeWendtCFI]Sooooo.....

We should prohibit all Web Shopping sites because they offer goods at low prices and can drive mom and pop out of business? We should dismantle Home Depot. Lowe's Petco, Staples, KMart and all the other superstores because they offer low prices? Get real. It's basic economics.[QUOTE]

I wouldn't give a damn if we dismantled all of those stores and prohibited web shopping..

So George Walton, exactly how much Wal-Mart stock do you own? Cause apparently you feel compelled to defend Wally in every possible way. You're not the average Wally supporter.. I'd bet there is another reason you're going to great ends to defend Wally.

[EJS1810]

Getting back to the reason for the thread, Walmart giving away food, diapers, toiletries etc.........Didn't they do that already? No wait that was the looters. Thanks Walmart for stepping up!

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

[QUOTE=GeorgeWendtCFI]Sooooo.....

We should prohibit all Web Shopping sites because they offer goods at low prices and can drive mom and pop out of business? We should dismantle Home Depot. Lowe's Petco, Staples, KMart and all the other superstores because they offer low prices? Get real. It's basic economics.[QUOTE]

I wouldn't give a damn if we dismantled all of those stores and prohibited web shopping..

So George Walton, exactly how much Wal-Mart stock do you own? Cause apparently you feel compelled to defend Wally in every possible way. You're not the average Wally supporter.. I'd bet there is another reason you're going to great ends to defend Wally.

Damn. You caught me. After I started this thread yesterday, WalMart stock went up 30-40 points just because of this thread. It's true! Neil Cavuto said so!

Please.

BTW, I own 0 shares.

[WebFire]

:confused: Dude, you don't know me and your wrong....anyway, the jist of this fourm isn't premised on what a wonderful person I am, I think it has something to do with Walmart :rolleyes:

Ok dude, whatever. You stated the "Made in America" argument, not me. And I really don't believe that you have mostly American made products in your household. Give me a break.

[FyredUp]

George,

As in most other topics there are multiple viewpoints. I think it is wonderful that WalMart gave the millions that they did.

Does it change my mind about WalMart? Not in the least. In some areas they are a boon to a dieing local economy, in others they destroy the make-up of a community, bleed it dry and then move on.

WebFire...

Maybe all the people you know are cattle and shop at WalMart, but sorry not everyone succombs to them. I do not shop there and I have made it clear to my family NOT to buy me anything from there, because if they do I will give it back to them. I do not like the way they treat there employees, the use of known illegal immigrants, and they way they damn near force their suppliers out of business with price restrictions....(read about Vlasic and rubber maid sometime if you don't believe me).

And believe what you want, I do go out of my way to buy made in America when ever I can. It is impossible in many things but very much possible in others.

FyredUp

[MEck51]

I saw this morning on the news that walmart has upped its donation to 23 million and also they stated that any employee of a walmart in the affected area can go to another walmart anywhere in the country and get a job. I must say well done. Not only are they giving money that is so needed, they will continue to provide money to the "refugees" by providing them with employment that will be much needed for many.

[BFDNJFF]

I saw this morning on the news that walmart has upped its donation to 23 million and also they stated that any employee of a walmart in the affected area can go to another walmart anywhere in the country and get a job. I must say well done. Not only are they giving money that is so needed, they will continue to provide money to the "refugees" by providing them with employment that will be much needed for many.

whether you hate the store chain or not Kudo's to them for stepping up to the plate!

[Trafficjockey93]

George you forgot a detail. Almost as soon as the winds subsided Wal-Mart donated 1 million dollars to the relief effort and sent down 10 tractor trailer loads of water.

Now talk about brotherhood and taking care of your own!

Every Wal-Mart not affected by Katrina is doing fund raising to pay to rebuild all the Associates houses that were lost. Plus Wal-mart is matching those funds dollar for dollar. This is on top of the fund raising they are doing for the Red Cross which is also matched dollar for dollar. PLUS, Wal-Mart Associates are volunteering to go down there for 6 weeks at a time to help rebuild those houses and also the stores. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, Wal-mart
will be paying these people to do this and is also picking up travel, lodging and food expenses.
Whether these displaced Associates choose to go to another store or not is up to them. They will still get their paycheck regardless.

Yep, they sure do suck! :confused:

[SSTONER]

Greetings,

My family shops at WalMart. We do out of convience - it has food, clothes, electronics, pet supplies, garden supplies, toys, hunting/camping gear and more!

Do they hire illegals? Maybe,but so do most restraunts and hotels in Tucson. Do they know it? Maybe - thats a problem bigger than WalMart.

We have 4 Walmart stores and a Sams Club - Have they pushed out some mom and pop stores? Maybe - but so did Target and K-mart when they first boomed in this area.

Walmart has a very strict policy when it comes to thier vendors - they barter for the price they will pay the vendor. The vendor must also agree to discount that item every year to Walmart - hence this is how Walmart can be so effective in beating out the competition.

For some vendors having Walmart as a buyer means that they will continue to thrive. If a company goes out it was probably headed that way before Walmart got involved.

As for low wages - Kmart, Target, and all those Mom and pop shops probably do not pay much more than Walmart if not less. You cant compare a smaller employee base to Walmart and say they are evil because a large number of thier employees are on welfare programs.

[firenresq77]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought what WalMart has done is a good thing........

Thanks, George!

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

George you forgot a detail. Almost as soon as the winds subsided Wal-Mart donated 1 million dollars to the relief effort and sent down 10 tractor trailer loads of water.

Now talk about brotherhood and taking care of your own!

Every Wal-Mart not affected by Katrina is doing fund raising to pay to rebuild all the Associates houses that were lost. Plus Wal-mart is matching those funds dollar for dollar. This is on top of the fund raising they are doing for the Red Cross which is also matched dollar for dollar. PLUS, Wal-Mart Associates are volunteering to go down there for 6 weeks at a time to help rebuild those houses and also the stores. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, Wal-mart
will be paying these people to do this and is also picking up travel, lodging and food expenses.
Whether these displaced Associates choose to go to another store or not is up to them. They will still get their paycheck regardless.

Yep, they sure do suck! :confused:


Yeah, I sure did. But I got caught up arguing with uninformed WalMart haters that I forgot that part.

[Grisu83at]

i just want to give you some facts about walmart... it shows pretty clear that i am not a fan of this company...

but i also want so say that this should not be discussed in an hurricane forum...

Walmart:

business volume (2002): 187.30 Billion Euro
profit (2002): 5.67 Billion Euro
employees (2002): 1.387.000

Walmart is known for paying just minimum wage.
Walmart often refuses to pay overtime:

In 2000 69.000 employees in Colorado sued Walmart for paying 50 Million dollars for overtime.

Currently there are 200.000 employees in Texas sueing Walmart for 150 Million Dollars of overtime payment.

Situations of factories who deliver to Wal Mart are even worse:

The "Beximco" Factory in Bangladesh, who delivered to Walmart, provided in 1999 following conditions:
daily work time: 12.5 hours, 7 days a week
9 - 21 cents payment per hour (thats 40 - 70% below local minimum wage)

In a factory in China, who delivered to Walmart, emloyees had to work 30 days a month. They had to sleep in the factory, got two meals a day, their payment was about 11.54 Euros per month. But they had to pay the factory so much for the meals and housing that in the end they owed money to the factory.

And then they praise themself by donating so much money. Thats just disgusting.


Scources:
Waltmart Annual Report
national Labor Commitee
New York Times

[prymtym]

I read a couple people saying that Walmart pays low wages. They do, but
not too long ago, I had a brief discussion with a firefighter from Baton Rouge discussing wages in LA. He said: "Louisiana is like most southern states, firefighter pay is low. we have departments with firefighters making only $20k a year after a few years of service."
That's exactly what any full-time, entry level Walmart employee with a few years of service makes around here. :eek:
KC

[nbfcfireman]

to join in the disgust of walmart.......
http://www.wakeupwalmart.com

[MEck51]

Who else has stepped up as big time as walmart? To date no one that I have found. You don't have to like them or give them a pat on the back, however they are helping out bigtime. I hope for the many homeless that other companies follow their lead and give.

[FyredUp]

What WalMart is doing and has done for the Katrina victims is commendable. Hopefully it will be a shining example to other corporations on how to step up. I will not denegrate that effort.

Does my appreciation of their releif effort change my mind about them in their everyday business practices? Not in the least. Will I become a Walmart customer because of their humanitarian efforts? Nope. Will I go to Hell? Most likely, but not because George doesn't like my viewpoint.

I believe in the United States of America choice is one of our God given rights...and it is clearly within my rights to not shop at WalMart and to point out clearly to those that do why I choose not to.

FyredUp

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

What WalMart is doing and has done for the Katrina victims is commendable. Hopefully it will be a shining example to other corporations on how to step up. I will not denegrate that effort.

Does my appreciation of their releif effort change my mind about them in their everyday business practices? Not in the least. Will I become a Walmart customer because of their humanitarian efforts? Nope. Will I go to Hell? Most likely, but not because George doesn't like my viewpoint.

I believe in the United States of America choice is one of our God given rights...and it is clearly within my rights to not shop at WalMart and to point out clearly to those that do why I choose not to.

FyredUp

"...and the home of the brave." (Flag waving in the background). :rolleyes:

[ChiefReason]

Why are many of you just picking on Wal-Mart for giving to the relief effort?
Oh, yeah; that was the title of the thread.
George; I know you tried hard to tie in Wal-Mart to the Katrina disaster and you make very good talking points about them exceeding several of our "allies" in real dollars, but there has been little tie-in since the opening volley to Hurricane Katrina.
If you want to bash Wal-Mart, could you at least MENTION Hurricane Katrina; even as an after-thought?
And be careful; some almost got personal. WT has said they will shut it down and suspend offenders for 7 days the first time. Permanent for the second. I think they are serious.
CR

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Why are many of you just picking on Wal-Mart for giving to the relief effort?
Oh, yeah; that was the title of the thread.
George; I know you tried hard to tie in Wal-Mart to the Katrina disaster and you make very good talking points about them exceeding several of our "allies" in real dollars, but there has been little tie-in since the opening volley to Hurricane Katrina.
If you want to bash Wal-Mart, could you at least MENTION Hurricane Katrina; even as an after-thought?
And be careful; some almost got personal. WT has said they will shut it down and suspend offenders for 7 days the first time. Permanent for the second. I think they are serious.
CR

Please don't get me wrong. I do not bash WalMart. I have been defending them from day one. Their relief contributions are up to over $23 million. My initial "sucks" comment was sarcastic. I am geniunely impressed by their response. I don't make it a habit to shop at WalMart, but I will try to patronize them a little more following this.

[ameryfd]

Ok....I do believe this thread has now inspired me to the point where I will save alot of money and head to my local Walmart to shop in the dead horse department ..... :rolleyes:

PS...is that deptmartment next to the toy dept or the grocery's? :confused:

[ChiefReason]

George:
I know you weren't bashing them.
"You" wasn't you.
"You" was "them"! ;)
We DO shop at Wal-Mart.
Consider it my efforts towards balance of trade.
Even the Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy donated a million dollars to Hurricane Katrina relief.
Oh; and I have been told by the Illinois departments sending people at the request of FEMA that it is the Wal-Mart stores that are opening up for them, so they can eat and use the restrooms.
Such spirit in the wake of Katrina.
CR

[ChiefReason]

Ok....I do believe this thread has now inspired me to the point where I will save alot of money and head to my local Walmart to shop in the dead horse department ..... :rolleyes:

PS...is that deptmartment next to the toy dept or the grocery's? :confused:
Neither.
Look in the hardware section...
for GLUE.
CR

[firenresq77]

HERE IS A STORY (http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/05/katrina.world.aid/index.html) from CNN about aid from other countries.......



Offers of aid from around the world

Monday, September 5, 2005; Posted: 7:30 p.m. EDT (23:30 GMT)




(CNN) -- Countries and international agencies -- including several coping with major adversities themselves -- have offered money and supplies to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Allies such as Britain and Germany as well as adversaries such as Cuba and Iran say they are willing to provide resources and manpower to help with the recovery.

War-wracked Afghanistan and countries slammed by the December tsunami such as India, Thailand and Sri Lanka also offered help.

In addition, the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization of American States and the International Energy Agency are contributing to the relief effort.

However, Cuban President Fidel Castro said the United States had not responded to his offer to send more than 1,500 doctors and tons of medicine and supplies as of Sunday night.

Speaking to doctors in Havana, Castro said: "You could all be there right now lending your services, but 48 hours has passed since we made this offer, and we have received absolutely no response."

Castro recently refused a U.S. offer of help after Hurricane Dennis killed more than 10 people on the island nation in July.

Here are some of the offers:

International agencies:

A U.N. offer of help has been accepted by the United States, the United Nations said. A U.N. coordination team is consulting with government officials in Washington, and the agency's team "will be based at the newly established USAID Hurricane Katrina Operations Center."


The International Energy Agency on Friday announced that all of its 26 member countries agreed to make available 60 million barrels of oil and gas products over the next month.


The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said "more than 80 disaster experts from the Red Cross societies of more than 10 countries are already in place or making plans to travel to the United States in response to a call from the American Red Cross."


NATO said it has been asked by the United States to send emergency relief supplies -- including first aid kits, blankets and food supplies. A NATO liaison officer has been sent to the United States to coordinate aid requests and work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to a NATO statement.


The European Union has offered to help the United States with any assistance required.


The Organization of American States, comprised of Latin American countries, has ordered special measures to back rescue and relief efforts and to restore order, and is establishing a fund for Katrina victims.

Africa

Nigeria: Africa's most populous nation has pledged $1 million for disaster relief.

Americas

Canada was contacted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials to request National Emergency Stockpile System supplies. Requested were "blankets, gloves, gowns, batteries, needles, surgical dressings, bandages, tongue depressors, and bath towels and cloths."


Cuba: Fidel Castro, an adversary of the United States during his decades in power, has offered at least 26 tons of supplies and mobilized 1,586 doctors experienced in disaster assistance, each of whom would bring 27 pounds of medicine.


Mexico has offered $1 million and is sending 15 truckloads of water, food and medical supplies via Texas. The Mexican navy has offered to send two ships, two helicopters and 15 amphibious vehicles.


Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a vocal critic of the United States, offered to send cheap fuel, humanitarian aid and relief workers to the disaster area.

Asia

Afghanistan, where U.S. troops have been battling Islamic militants in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, pledged a $100,000 donation.


Bangladesh: Prime Minister Khaleda Zia announced a donation of $1 million and said the government "will stand by for extending any help and support which includes sending of military, medical and construction personnel.


India: The government is offering $5 million to the American Red Cross and donations of essential medicines, water purification systems for household and community level operations, and a medical team.


Japan has offered to provide $200,000 to the American Red Cross. It is ready to provide up to $300,000 worth of items such as tents, blankets, power generators, portable water tanks and more from a supply depot maintained by the Japanese government in Florida.


Sri Lanka: The country still recovering from the tsunami offered what it called a "token contribution" of $25,000 through the American Red Cross.


Thailand: The office of the prime minister confirmed Monday that the Thai government is offering 100 doctors and nurses to go to the United States next week to help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Europe

Britain: A plane carrying rations left Britain Monday morning. Britain has said that other kinds of assistance it might be able to offer "are those which focus on areas of specialist and technical expertise, such as medical, urban search and rescue, water management, oil and gas, utilities (water, electricity), port handling, disaster management and emergency response."


France: It has offered a wide range of supplies and services from its mainland and the French Antilles, relatively close to the affected regions. One French non-governmental organization that specializes in restoring phone lines and Internet service is ready to send a team. Veolia Equipment, which has facilities in Louisiana, has offered to make its water management resources available.


Germany: The government has offered a wide range of assistance, including evacuation by air, medical services, transportation services, water treatment capabilities, assistance in searching for victims, vaccination teams and supplies, and emergency shelter.


Italy: A plane carrying aid left Rome Sunday night headed toward the United States.


Spain: A six-member Spanish Red Cross delegation is traveling to the United States to assess the needs of hurricane victims and coordinate with the American Red Cross on what Spain can provide in coming days and weeks.


Sweden: Rescue Authority said it was on standby to supply water purifying equipment, health care supplies and emergency shelters if needed.

Middle East

Bahrain: $5 million donation to assist with relief.


Iran: Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza-Asefi said Sunday his country is willing to help, if "there is a need for such relief assistance." The aid would be given through the Red Crescent Society, he told reporters.


Israel: Offers medical assistance, such as personnel, equipment and medicines.


Kuwait: Government has asked parliament to approve an emergency aid package of $500 million in humanitarian aid and petroleum. "We as Kuwaitis feel that we must stand alongside our friends to alleviate this humanitarian hardship," Minister of Energy Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahd said in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency.


Qatar: Offers $100 million to assist in the humanitarian crisis triggered by Hurricane Katrina.

Other nations that have offered help include Austria, Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, China, Colombia, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Hungary, Jamaica, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela, according to the U.S. State Department.

[MEck51]

"Mexico has offered $1 million and is sending 15 truckloads of water, food and medical supplies via Texas. The Mexican navy has offered to send two ships, two helicopters and 15 amphibious vehicles."

Yeah, but I was always told not to drink the water in mexico, is it a trap?

On a serious note. I find it astonishing that the middle eastern countries are donating so much when all you here about on the news is how much the middle eastern countries don't want our presence. (would the media lie??)

"Kuwait: Government has asked parliament to approve an emergency aid package of $500 million in humanitarian aid and petroleum. "We as Kuwaitis feel that we must stand alongside our friends to alleviate this humanitarian hardship," Minister of Energy Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahd said in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency.


Qatar: Offers $100 million to assist in the humanitarian crisis triggered by Hurricane Katrina. "

Grant it these are 2 allied countries, but these 2 small countries are realy stepping up. I realize we bailed out kuwait and they might see it as returning a favor, but who would think $500 mil.. Well anyway good job to those that help. And for the others, we'll see when it's your turn.

[ftlaudcop]

only thing i bought from walmart, a package of thick white boot socks...
prices were cool on a lotta stuff....but not a walmart type of guy.


www.schackdaddy.com

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

No this is astounding:
Bangladesh: Prime Minister Khaleda Zia announced a donation of $1 million and said the government "will stand by for extending any help and support which includes sending of military, medical and construction personnel.

Japan has offered to provide $200,000 to the American Red Cross. It is ready to provide up to $300,000 worth of items such as tents, blankets, power generators, portable water tanks and more from a supply depot maintained by the Japanese government in Florida.


One of the poorest country in the world, Bangladesh. One of the richest countries in the world, Japan. This doesn't make sense.

[BFDNJFF]

No this is astounding:


One of the poorest country in the world, Bangladesh. One of the richest countries in the world, Japan. This doesn't make sense.

Japan downplays view its pledged hurricane aid is small


Tuesday, September 6, 2005 at 15:52 JST
TOKYO — The Japanese government is ready to provide more aid for people affected by Hurricane Katrina in southern U.S. states if requested by the United States, Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi said Monday, dismissing the view that the amount pledged by Tokyo pales in comparison with other donors.

"We will do our utmost" to help the hurricane victims if requested by the United States in the near future, Yachi said, dismissing criticism that the amount of aid worth $500,000 announced last week is smaller than those offered by other countries as well as Japan's private sector. "The aid package the Japanese government announced Friday did not mean we will not offer any more aid."


______________________________ ______________________________ _____
Japan gov't, firms join relief effort for U.S. hurricane victims
Saturday, September 3, 2005 at 06:53 JST
TOKYO — The Japanese government will provide $200,000 in cash to the American Red Cross and offer up to $300,000 worth of tents, blankets and other supplies for victims of Hurricane Katrina, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda said Friday.

Japanese automakers have also announced emergency aid packages, with Toyota Motor Corp pledging a total of $5 million to support activities of the Red Cross and the Friedkin Disaster Relief Fund. Nissan Motor Co said it and its employees will offer a total of $750,000 and 50 pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles for Red Cross workers. The Japanese Red Cross Society decided to provide $200,000 to its U.S. counterpart. (Kyodo News)


though its is small compared to some others.

[ChiefReason]

How quickly they forget!

[k3twpfire]

Please don't get me wrong. I do not bash WalMart. I have been defending them from day one. Their relief contributions are up to over $23 million. My initial "sucks" comment was sarcastic. I am geniunely impressed by their response. I don't make it a habit to shop at WalMart, but I will try to patronize them a little more following this.

You can add a couple of more million to that:

http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=73556

:D

[neiowa]

A couple of Walmart stories

http://biz.yahoo.com/bizwk/050907/nf20050971818_db017.html?.v=1

http://www.triggernews.com/ap/20050905/71e8-4326.html

So far, Wal-Mart said that it has contributed $17 million to relief efforts, including $15 million to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. The company also has donated about $3 million in merchandise, including more than 100 trailer loads to emergency relief organizations, services and shelters.


The Walton Family Foundation has donated $8 million to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund and $7 million to relief organizations like the Salvation Army, America's Second Harvest and The Foundation for the Mid-South.

[sevenfingers]

I don't like admitting sometimes, when I haven't been nice. I'm a nice guy, but I do get on my soapbox sometimes. Okay, I'm saying that I haven't been a big supporter of Wal-Mart. It doesn't matter why. I'm sure I thought I had reasons. I'm also guilty of calling them by a slang term I learned from others (didn't start it, just borrowed it). Okay, I'm waving their flag now. Not only did they have some damaged properties, and secondary damage from looting....they opened where they could, to get things going locally as some stories reported. Dadburnit (borrowed that from Hoss), I'm chokin' up. I'm going to aisle four for tissues! :cool:

[parafire81]

[QUOTE=FTMPTB15][QUOTE=GeorgeWendtCFI]Sooooo.....

We should prohibit all Web Shopping sites because they offer goods at low prices and can drive mom and pop out of business? We should dismantle Home Depot. Lowe's Petco, Staples, KMart and all the other superstores because they offer low prices? Get real. It's basic economics.

Damn. You caught me. After I started this thread yesterday, WalMart stock went up 30-40 points just because of this thread. It's true! Neil Cavuto said so!

Please.

BTW, I own 0 shares.

That's right....all your stock is tied up in oil!

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

[QUOTE=GeorgeWendtCFI][QUOTE=FTMPTB15]

That's right....all your stock is tied up in oil!

You want to explain this? It makes no sense.

[ChiefReason]

[QUOTE=parafire81][QUOTE=GeorgeWendtCFI]

You want to explain this? It makes no sense.
George:
I think he just called you "independently wealthy"! :cool:
CR

[KnightnPBIArmor]

[QUOTE=parafire81][QUOTE=GeorgeWendtCFI]

You want to explain this? It makes no sense.

I believe that was intended as a juvenile insult in the vein that since you have spoken positively about President Bush, that you must be one of his "cronies" and have stock in oil...I believe that is addressed in Chapter 3 of "Political Dissent For Kids" by Michael Moore and Kanye West :rolleyes:

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

[QUOTE=GeorgeWendtCFI][QUOTE=parafire81]

I believe that was intended as a juvenile insult in the vein that since you have spoken positively about President Bush, that you must be one of his "cronies" and have stock in oil...I believe that is addressed in Chapter 3 of "Political Dissent For Kids" by Michael Moore and Kanye West :rolleyes:

I know. I just wanted to see if he had the testicular fortitude to admit it himself.

[EFD840]

Just a little story for thought. From Las Vegas Weekly (http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/2005/09/08/awsi1.html)

Two things struck me as odd - first hiring picketers and then having them shop in the very store they're picketing.

---------------------------------
Picketers for Hire

The strange business of protesting jobs that may be better than yours

By Stacy J. Willis

Wal-Mart picketers
Photo by Iris Dumuk

The shade from the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market sign is minimal around noon; still, six picketers squeeze their thermoses and Dasani bottles onto the dirt below, trying to keep their water cool. They're walking five-hour shifts on this corner at Stephanie Street and American Pacific Drive in Henderson—anti-Wal-Mart signs propped lazily on their shoulders, deep suntans on their faces and arms—with two 15-minute breaks to run across the street and use the washroom at a gas station.

Periodically one of them will sit down in a slightly larger slice of shade under a giant electricity pole in the intersection. Four lanes of traffic rush by, some drivers honk in support, more than once someone has yelled, "*******s!" but mostly, they're ignored.

They're not union members; they're temp workers employed through Allied Forces/Labor Express by the union—United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). They're making $6 an hour, with no benefits; it's 104 F, and they're protesting the working conditions inside the new Wal-Mart grocery store.

"It don't make no sense, does it?" says James Greer, the line foreman and the only one who pulls down $8 an hour, as he ambles down the sidewalk, picket sign on shoulder, sweaty hat over sweaty gray hair, spitting sunflower seeds. "We're sacrificing for the people who work in there, and they don't even know it."

The union accuses Wal-Mart of dragging down wages and working conditions for other grocery-store workers across the nation. "Whether you work or shop at Wal-Mart, the giant retailer's employment practices affect your wages. Wal-Mart leads the race to the bottom in wages and health-care," says the UFCW's website. "As the largest corporation in the world, Wal-Mart has a responsibility to the people who built it. Wal-Mart jobs offer low pay, inadequate and unaffordable healthcare, and off the clock work."

But standing with a union-supplied sign on his shoulder that reads, Don't Shop WalMart: Below Area Standards, picketer and former Wal-Mart employee Sal Rivera says about the notorious working conditions of his former big-box employer: "I can't complain. It wasn't bad. They started paying me at $6.75, and after three months I was already getting $7, then I got Employee of the Month, and by the time I left (in less than one year), I was making $8.63 an hour." Rivera worked in maintenance and quit four years ago for personal reasons, he says. He would consider reapplying.

Rivera is one of few picketers here who have ever worked for Wal-Mart—it's strictly coincidental that he was once in their employ. Most of the picketers were just looking for work through the temp agency.

While Rivera's words for Wal-Mart seem less than harsh, he does add, "I did not want to get insurance from them because it was too expensive."

That, says UCFW organizer Bill Hornbrook, who drove workers to the site one morning last week, is one of the reasons the union wants these protestors here.

"Wal-Mart has no benefits at an affordable rate. The (Wal-Mart) workers can't afford the insurance with the wage they're making. We'd like to see them improve their working conditions," Hornbrook said. "The Neighborhood Markets are the same as a supermarket like Albertson's or Safeway. Some supermarkets start (pay) at $7 an hour, but they do get benefits. These people (employees at Wal-Mart) have to pay for theirs," Hornbrook said. So the UCFW is protesting each of the five new Wal-Mart Neighborhood Markets in the Vegas area; this one in Henderson opened June 29.

Wal-Mart is infamous for its labor and consumer battles—more than 40 cases alleging the company prevented workers from receiving adequate wage and overtime pay are being considered by courts for class-action status. Additionally, six current and former female employees are pursuing a class-action lawsuit charging that Wal-Mart discriminates against women in its promotion practices.

"We're just trying to help the women that get discriminated against in Wal-Mart," says Greer. "We're out here suffering a lot for these people." He pauses, moves his sign so that it blocks the scorching sun on his leathery face, and considers the working conditions of his colleagues out here working for the union.

"We had one gal out here in her 40s, and she had a heat stroke. I kept making her sit down, I noticed she was stepping (staggering), and I made her sit in the shade," Greer said. She went home sick after her shift and didn't ever return to work.

Another woman, Greer said, had huge blisters on her feet and he took her inside to the Wal-Mart pharmacy. The pharmacist recommended some balm, and Greer bought it for her. Since then, he said, other picketers have purchased the balm for their blisters inside the Wal-Mart they are protesting.

The group has no transportation to go elsewhere—they are dropped off by a union van and picked up later. On weekends, they have to find their own transportation, Greer said.

Inside, the store manager at the Stephanie Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market says he's perfectly happy with his job, and that his insurance is fine.

"The average rate of pay for Nevada Wal-Mart workers is $10.17 an hour. We have a good insurance program, and every associate—even part-timers—are eligible for the 401k," says Mark Dyson. "There's actually different levels of insurance, dental and medical—I have a $500 deductible, but there's no cap on it. Some other companies' plans have a $1 million cap, but here there's no cap. For example, not long ago we had an associate whose husband needed a liver transplant, and that alone was $600,000; but they didn't have to worry about a cap."

For the least comprehensive medical coverage, Wal-Mart workers pay from $17.50 for individual coverage and $70.50 for family coverage biweekly, according to the company website.

"And we are actively promoting and developing women in the workforce," Dyson says. "I think every company has gone through an issue like this, but you should hire the best workers regardless of gender or race or anything else."

In Dyson's market, the air-conditioning is cool, business on this day seems brisk, and the employees seem not so miserable; two checkers chat it up as they ring up customers.

This is not lost on the picketers outside.

Rivera removes his watch to show the dark tan his arm has gotten working in the sun; he talks about how he takes three buses to get to this work site on weekends; it takes two hours to get there and two hours to get home—a nine-hour day including that transportation for a gross pay of $35.

"I asked him (union organizer Hornbrook), I said, 'How come we're working here for $6 an hour? I need you to help us find a better job. I want information on the union,'" Rivera said.

He was told, he says, to secure his own job with a grocery store, and then the union would help him to be sure the store paid him appropriate wages.

"This is an informational picket line only," Hornbrook said. "We're paying these people. They were out of work before (joining their picket lines). This is an in-between-jobs stop. Picketing isn't a career. But we did hire one of the picketers, she's now working for us for $11 an hour (as a driver) and we pay for gasoline."

The UFCW's website concludes, "Every person working hard for a living earns the right to a decent wage, affordable health care and a voice on the job. But Wal-Mart's greed provides other companies a license to chip away at the rights of working America, influencing everything from wages to working conditions."

[chrnea]

I tread into tis discussion very lightly but I do believe I have a valid point. I think that the issue here is not wether or not Wal-Mart is an evil entity or not is only a small spot on the overall picture. What is at the core of this discussion is true capitalism or socialized capitalism.
IMHO
Does or do they not have the right to pay workers what they feel is a fair wage? (not what you think a fair wage is but what the economics say a fair wage is) In a free market, capitalist society they do. They have the right to pay their employees what they will work for. If they can't get the employees because the pay is too low then they will have to raise their pay rates.
But here in the us we have this grand notion of "Minimum Wage" (notice it does not say Minimum Living Wage) and we say that this is what people will must be paid at least. And the fact of the matter is, people are always willing to work for Wal Mart. If the employees feel that they are not treated fairly, then go find a job that pays what they want. If Walmart can't get the employees then they will have to pay their current employees more to keep them and they will have to increase their wages to get new employees. But people flock to work at WalMart in droves.
Also we have this demand in our country for cheap goods. We want our TV for $99. Well if it costs such and such to amke the TV and then shippiing it and everything else then whatever is left is used to pay the employee. If you want walmart to pay its empployees better then you will have to accept that their prices will have to rise at large rates.
My belief is this, let Walmart employees decide what the fair wage should be, either by quitting and going elsewhere. That may sound harsh but it is the reality, Until WalMart is forced to change by its employees then it wont change. If the employees want to unionize and Walmart shuts down the store then that is their perogative. It is their buisness. Their money.
I personally am not a big fan of Walmart but I do shop there. The price is right. The fact of the matter is this, If they Unionize then the price of their goods will go up. plain and simple.

BTW
Walmart:

business volume (2002): 187.30 Billion Euro
profit (2002): 5.67 Billion Euro
employees (2002): 1.387.000

do you realize that this is only a 3% margin of profit that they operate on. And this is not from retail profit.
Walmart has a 90 day pay policy to its vendors, it turns its inventory over (dollar wise) in under 30 days.
That means that Walmart sits on it payables for about 60 days to earn interest in order to earn its profits. If it had a quick pay policy to its vendors and did not increase prices, Walmart would lose money on just retail sales. Walmart operates on thin margins to provide the Lowest possible price, It could charge more and maybe make alot of money real quick but that bubble would burst due to reduced sales.
If my Dads own company of 15 employees operated on that tight of a margin, it would be bankrupt in very short order.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

I tread into tis discussion very lightly but I do believe I have a valid point. I think that the issue here is not wether or not Wal-Mart is an evil entity or not is only a small spot on the overall picture. What is at the core of this discussion is true capitalism or socialized capitalism.
IMHO
Does or do they not have the right to pay workers what they feel is a fair wage? (not what you think a fair wage is but what the economics say a fair wage is) In a free market, capitalist society they do. They have the right to pay their employees what they will work for. If they can't get the employees because the pay is too low then they will have to raise their pay rates.
But here in the us we have this grand notion of "Minimum Wage" (notice it does not say Minimum Living Wage) and we say that this is what people will must be paid at least. And the fact of the matter is, people are always willing to work for Wal Mart. If the employees feel that they are not treated fairly, then go find a job that pays what they want. If Walmart can't get the employees then they will have to pay their current employees more to keep them and they will have to increase their wages to get new employees. But people flock to work at WalMart in droves.
Also we have this demand in our country for cheap goods. We want our TV for $99. Well if it costs such and such to amke the TV and then shippiing it and everything else then whatever is left is used to pay the employee. If you want walmart to pay its empployees better then you will have to accept that their prices will have to rise at large rates.
My belief is this, let Walmart employees decide what the fair wage should be, either by quitting and going elsewhere. That may sound harsh but it is the reality, Until WalMart is forced to change by its employees then it wont change. If the employees want to unionize and Walmart shuts down the store then that is their perogative. It is their buisness. Their money.
I personally am not a big fan of Walmart but I do shop there. The price is right. The fact of the matter is this, If they Unionize then the price of their goods will go up. plain and simple.

BTW


do you realize that this is only a 3% margin of profit that they operate on. And this is not from retail profit.
Walmart has a 90 day pay policy to its vendors, it turns its inventory over (dollar wise) in under 30 days.
That means that Walmart sits on it payables for about 60 days to earn interest in order to earn its profits. If it had a quick pay policy to its vendors and did not increase prices, Walmart would lose money on just retail sales. Walmart operates on thin margins to provide the Lowest possible price, It could charge more and maybe make alot of money real quick but that bubble would burst due to reduced sales.
If my Dads own company of 15 employees operated on that tight of a margin, it would be bankrupt in very short order.

Random thoughts:

1. So what?

2. The issue isn't capitalism or socialized capitalism. It is about a US corporation who stepped (continues to step) up to the plate and gave a very significant sum of money to people who are in dire need.

3. Walmart is not the only corporation to operate this way.

4. Walmart has a responsibility to follow the law when it comes to paying their employees. If they don't pay their employees "enough", then those employees can go elsewhere.

[Smoke20286]

Workers sue Wal-Mart over sweatshop conditions

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Workers in six countries filed a class-action lawsuit against Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Tuesday, claiming the world's largest retailer overlooks sweatshop conditions at toy and clothing factories from China to Nicaragua.
ADVERTISEMENT

The suit, filed in California state court in Los Angeles, lists as plaintiffs 15 workers in Bangladesh, Swaziland, Indonesia, China and Nicaragua. They claim they were paid below minimum wage, forced to work unpaid overtime and in some cases even endured beatings by supervisors.

The lawsuit also lists four California plaintiffs, including two unionized workers at Kroger Co. unit Ralph's and Safeway Inc. grocery stores, who claim Wal-Mart's entry into Southern California forced their employers to reduce pay and benefits.

The suit could cover anywhere from 100,000 to 500,000 workers, according to attorney Terry Collingsworth of the International Labor Rights Fund, which represents the plaintiffs. Wal-Mart's potential liability could be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, he said.

Beth Keck, a spokeswoman for Wal-Mart's international operations, said the retailer had not been formally served with the lawsuit, but had received a copy from journalists who obtained it from the lawyers involved.

"It's really too early for us to be able to say anything about this particular complaint," Keck said. "It involves a number of companies and manufacturers and we're just beginning our research to learn more. We're just at that beginning research phase."

ALWAYS LOW PRICES

Wal-Mart became the world's largest retailer by buying cheap, foreign-made goods and selling them to consumers at rock-bottom prices every day.

Critics, however, say that low-price obsession has pressured store managers to overwork nonunion employees and the retailer has been hit with dozens of lawsuits claiming violations of wage-and-hour laws.

The company has also been the target of discrimination lawsuits. Last year, a judge said a lawsuit that charges the company discriminated against women in pay, promotions and training could proceed as a class action. That suit, the largest workplace bias lawsuit in U.S. history, covers as many as 1.6 million current and former female U.S. employees.

The mounting litigation has taken a toll on Wal-Mart's reputation and the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company has responded with a national advertising campaign aimed at repairing the image of its 5,100-store empire.

According to Tuesday's complaint, Wal-Mart breached its own agreement with foreign suppliers in its failure to monitor factory working conditions.

"Investigation after investigation of Wal-Mart's operations and suppliers reveal that Wal-Mart is an unrepentant and recidivist violator of human rights," the lawsuit said.

The plaintiffs allege Wal-Mart's "vast economic power" allows it to impose price and time requirements on supplier factories that result in sweatshop conditions.

The retailer "knew or reasonably should have known that its suppliers would violate" worker's rights, but continues to do business with those factories, the lawsuit said.

Wal-Mart's Keck declined to comment on the company's factory policies because of the pending lawsuit. In a statement on its Web site regarding sweatshop allegations -- though not specifically this lawsuit -- Wal-Mart said it "strives to do business only with factories run legally and ethically" and that it "is helping to improve working conditions and create economic opportunity for workers around the world."

Violations alleged to have occurred in Wal-Mart supplier factories include withheld pay, poor working conditions, reprisal firings for labor union activity and beatings.

In a Bangladeshi dress factory, a pregnant seamstress who paused on the production line was "kicked hard in her stomach" by her supervisor, according to the lawsuit. Another was slapped in the face with pants whenever she was unable to meet a quota of 120 pairs per hour.

In Indonesia, one worker in a facility producing "George" label clothing for Wal-Mart regularly saw company representatives visit the factory and overheard her supervisor saying "with Wal-Mart, we cannot have overtime (pay)."

The foreign plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial, compensatory damages and injunctive relief. Lawyers for the workers said their clients could not seek redress in their home countries because of corruption, the lack of independent judiciaries and for fear of reprisals.

Yeah they step up to the plate alright :rolleyes:

[FyredUp]

George....

Why is it so hard for you to allow people to have their own opinion about WalMart? I agree it is wonderful and amazing they stepped up to aid those in need. I also have not changed my mind about how they operate every day as a business.

As far as WalMart's respnsibility to follow the law...uh huh, guess they don't ever make the paper in New Jersey. There are numerous examples of them following the law only after having been caught by the authorities. And yes I know corporate America as a whole is as clean as a chimney sweeps pants, but don't fool yourself about WalMart's altruistic ways.

So be impressed by their generosity, but don't be in such a hurry to elevate them to something they are not. Heck George even some of the countries we have long considered enemies have stepped up and offered aid and money should we turn a blind eye to everything else they do or have done? Of course not.

Standing by fully anticipating another dose of your wonderful attacking sarcasm. By the way George even after your oh so snide comment about "and the home of the brave" I have not attacked you. I have just stated my opinion. Like you so often like to do with your own.

FyredUp

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Why is it so hard for people to allow me to have mine? :rolleyes:

[Trafficjockey93]

Why is it so hard for people to allow me to have mine? :rolleyes:

Because people always like to bring someone down who is right the majority of the time.
It seems that Wal-Mart is the company people love to hate.


If Wal-Mart is so bad then why are they still so big?
Why do people still shop there?
Why do people still go for jobs there?


The lawsuit that is posted a few posts up is a joke. Really read it. There are so many holes in it.

[Smoke20286]

It seems that Wal-Mart is the company people love to hate.

For very good reason

If Wal-Mart is so bad then why are they still so big?

Because they are so big?

Why do people still shop there?

Because it is cheaper, and many people, like many of those posting here don't care about the employee's working conditions, or the sweatshops they run abroad

Why do people still go for jobs there?

Because they are desperate for work? Or they don't know any better

[ChiefReason]

Why do people still shop there?
Because DVDs for $2.88 each is just toooooooo sweet to pass up.
Because of the brightly lit stores, wide aisles, snack bars and friendly greeters.
Because the WalMart where I live is always handing out money to civic organizations.
Because they collected, then donated millions of dollars to the World War II memorial.
Because I can.
CR

[parafire81]

[QUOTE=parafire81][QUOTE=GeorgeWendtCFI]

You want to explain this? It makes no sense.


Refer to the thread on Barbara Bush

[Trafficjockey93]

Because it is cheaper, and many people, like many of those posting here don't care about the employee's working conditions, or the sweatshops they run abroad
I just love when people comment on things they hear or read second hand.
Wal-Mart, just like any other corporation has a structure, chain of command, in place and if these disgruntled workers fail to use it properly then it's their own fault. Each store has a chain of command, if you don't get satisfaction you go to the district level, if still no resolution you can go to the regional level if that fails you can go to corporate and it will be settled there.
These people who were required to work off the clock or without overtime pay evidently never complained to the right people. Wal-Mart Corporate has a policy in place regarding off the clock work and overtime pay. It is part of your hiring package and you sign the paper aknowleging you understand it.
If people are working off the clock or not receiving overtime pay it is because of the individual store(s), not corporate policy.
I know of a local store where they had a few workers who would not clock out for lunch or wouldn't take lunch. Work their 9 hrs and go home. That is against corporate policy. When corporate found out, the store manager and all the asst. managers were either fired or transfered out.

As far as the pay scale is concerned it is dictated by the local area and by the individual store. The local store here started off paying $6.50 hr for cashiers, Home Depot was $8.00hr. Guess what?? Nobody was going to Wal-Mart! They had to raise their starting wage to $8.00hr. to even compete.

Benefits, they have the same as anybody else, 401k, profit sharing, stock purchase, medical, dental etc. Sure you have to pay for medical and dental but, so do most other companies employees. They also have a choice of 3 different medical plans, how many other companies offer that?

Hmmm, Wal-Mart owns and runs sweatshops in other countries. That's news to me. I know that Wal-Mart will assist in opening up a manufacturing facility here in the US if it would be cheaper to manufacture here instead of abroad. I haven't seen any Wal-Mart factories lately though.

It really is a shame that Wal-Mart has to go overseas to find inexpensive products. Maybe they should get help from Radio Shack, Home Depot, Target etc..I'm sure all of their products are manufactured here in the states.


Because they are desperate for work? Or they don't know any better
Probably true. But then again sometimes you have to do whatever it takes to put food on the table. Plus at Wal-Mart they get a 10% discount.

[Trafficjockey93]

Because DVDs for $2.88 each is just toooooooo sweet to pass up.
Because of the brightly lit stores, wide aisles, snack bars and friendly greeters.
Because the WalMart where I live is always handing out money to civic organizations.
Because they collected, then donated millions of dollars to the World War II memorial.
Because I can.
CR

ROTFLMAO :D

But you did hit the nail right on the head!

[oldman21220]

I wish Wal-Mart would unionize and pay the greeters $25 an hour, full company paid health care and a company paid pension plan. If they did that then I could pay $30 for a pair of socks

[SSTONER]

Ah...... everyone hates WalMart but they keep building! :cool:

-----

Voters OK Wal-Marts
Mark Shaffer
Republic Flagstaff Bureau
Sept. 14, 2005 12:00 AM

WINSLOW - Wal-Mart Corp. won two more major battles in rural Arizona on Tuesday night, as voters in Winslow and Benson approved rezonings for the construction of Supercenters.

Winslow's Proposition 300, which will allow 7.6 acres to be rezoned commercial for Wal-Mart construction, passed with 76 percent of the vote. About 40 percent of Winslow voters cast ballots. Wal-Mart spent $148,000 on the Winslow campaign through Sept. 1, said City Clerk Suzy Wetzel, and large red and white campaign signs were staked in front of many downtown businesses.

In Benson, 88 percent of voters cast ballots in favor of Proposition 301, a nearly 10-acre rezoning in the southern Arizona city for a Supercenter.

Keith Morris, a Wal-Mart spokesman, said the retailing giant was puzzled as to why the rezonings became a ballot issue in each city. The United Food and Commercial Workers, which represents workers in competing supermarkets, has fought Wal-Mart in city rezonings throughout the country.

"These elections were unique in that both of these projects already had been approved by the city councils," Morris said. "We did everything we were asked to do, and I think these wide margins of support indicate that. It only took 100 to 120 signatures to get these on the ballot."

Wal-Mart also won a tightly contested election in Flagstaff in May, which would have put a size and grocery limitation on so-called big-box stores.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

So Delta and Northwest both declare bankruptcy. The reasons cited? High fuel costs (duh) andcompetition from low fare airlines.

So....

These low fare airlines historically provide fewer services (no frills) and pay their employees less than the major airlines. They do alot of business things to cut their expenses and overhead.

So you WalMart bashers are probably in favor of outlawing these low fare airlines, huh?

[RoughRider]

I wish Wal-Mart would unionize and pay the greeters $25 an hour, full company paid health care and a company paid pension plan. If they did that then I could pay $30 for a pair of socks


Or drive more jobs over seas.

[DennisTheMenace]

Wal-mart is headed to be a monolpoly over small town commerce. They will be able to set the prices that are charged to the end customer as well as the price paid to suppliers when they eliminate competition. Effeciencies ans building up of a company from so little to so much should be admired, but when does it go too far? When is a monopoly or a near monopoly no longer capitalism?

[RoughRider]

Wal-mart is headed to be a monolpoly over small town commerce. They will be able to set the prices that are charged to the end customer as well as the price paid to suppliers when they eliminate competition. Effeciencies ans building up of a company from so little to so much should be admired, but when does it go too far? When is a monopoly or a near monopoly no longer capitalism?

Dennis,

I agree that we should be concerned about market manipulation due to monopolies. But the consumer will continue to buy from Walmart because they like a bargain? Won’t Target and Kmart look to capitalize on any Px gouging by Walmart? I don’t think they prey on small markets, Its their niche'. They tried to open a store here in Manhattan but couldn’t because real estate prices were cost prohibitive. Their low cost model doesn’t work in most big cities.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Dennis,

I agree that we should be concerned about market manipulation due to monopolies. But the consumer will continue to buy from Walmart because they like a bargain? Won’t Target and Kmart look to capitalize on any Px gouging by Walmart? I don’t think they prey on small markets, Its their niche'. They tried to open a store here in Manhattan but couldn’t because real estate prices were cost prohibitive. Their low cost model doesn’t work in most big cities.

Exactly. WalMart will never be a monopoly (you can't have a partial monoploy) because there will always be competition. If they were truly a monopoly, they would charge whatever they wanted. They, in actuality, charge LESS than most everybody else. It's a basic law of ecomonics. If WalMart tries to charge MORE than everybody else, another big box store will jump right in and takeover.

[DennisTheMenace]

Exactly. WalMart will never be a monopoly (you can't have a partial monoploy) because there will always be competition. If they were truly a monopoly, they would charge whatever they wanted. They, in actuality, charge LESS than most everybody else. It's a basic law of ecomonics. If WalMart tries to charge MORE than everybody else, another big box store will jump right in and takeover.
YOu can't have a partial monopoly, but you can have a localized monopoly and that is what they have created in many places. That is what the up roar is about. Sure they charge less then the other guys, but is that always the best thing for the community when it sends most of those profits back to Arkansas when the towns former commercial district that supported multiple districts go out of business? Other big box stores won't be able to "jump right in and takeover" until they have been able to build up the supply fifedom that Wal-Mart has. Lower consumer prices are great, but they are not the only thing that keeps an economy strong.

[FyredUp]

George,

I have never once said you couldn't have your opinion on WalMart. I also don't believe I have ever attacked you or made snide comments about your opinion. Unfortunately you cannot say the same.

Believe it or not in rural America WalMart is not the loved franchise you want to believe. Several communities in close proximity to me have fought the introduction of WalMart to their communities. Some have won the battle and others have lost. Do people shop their even in highly contested communities? Of course they do. That is their right. But why do I hear many of those same people moaning about the fact that the local businesses aren't there to fund the Cub Scouts, or the school band, or the baseball diamond, or the dozens of other things they used too? People are blind to the benefits of locally owned businesses. Sure you may pay a nickel more for a loaf of bread but you get it back many times over in community minded services. Both because it is good for PR and good for the community, and because they ARE the community. WalMart, irregardless of how much money they give are NEVER a part of any community. They are not locally run, or owned, and in reality have no ties to anywhere other than corporate headquarters who can and does shut them down for any reason they see fit.

So once again let me say this as clearly as I can...Bravo to WalMart for stepping up to the plate and assisting the victims of Katrina. I hope it is a model for other corporations. But at the same time I will shed no tears if the monster that is WalMart leaves my area...hopefully sooner than later.

FyredUp

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

1. There is no such word as irregardless.

2. Lower prices are always good.

3. WalMart certainly does put money into the local community. Each store has a pretty hefty amount of money to spend at the store management's discretion for local community projects. If the school band, the Cub Scouts or the VFD go to them and ask, very often they will get money. How many mom and pop stores donate TIC or AED to their local department?

4, It's basic economics.

5. For every story that is told about a community fighting WalMArt, there are three stories of communities welcoming them with open arms.

6. When the WalMArt opened in Boonton, NJ, they actually paid for a consultant to come to town and work on business development and preservation with the mom and pops on Main St. How many other corporations would do that? To my knowledge, not a single business has been driven out by WalMArt in that town.

7. As I have said before, each one of these big box stores have foundations and community outreach programs to assist local civic organizations. I am familiar with a WalMart who allowed a Boy Scout troop to have a car wash in front of their store. They donated all the supplies and even let them use the water for free.

[FyredUp]

George...

Thanks for proving my point.

"1. There is no such word as irregardless."

I guess this is the only way you know how to carry on a discussion. Attack and nit pick anyone else's point of view.

Have a nice life George...it must be great to believe you are ALWAYS the only one who is right.

FyredUp

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

George...

Thanks for proving my point.

"1. There is no such word as irregardless."

I guess this is the only way you know how to carry on a discussion. Attack and nit pick anyone else's point of view.

Have a nice life George...it must be great to believe you are ALWAYS the only one who is right.

FyredUp

That's an attack? You haven't seen an attack if you think that is an attack.

I'm not always right. If one word of what I typed is wrong, prove it. Otherwise, see ya!

[KnightnPBIArmor]

For a place that is so evil and loathsome, I sure do have a hard time finding a parking place on Saturdays.... :rolleyes:

[ChiefReason]

I realize the thread is about WalMart. But when you start talking about monopolies and such, I don't see some of the others mentioned with the same exuberance, such as BP Petroleum, McDonalds, Verizon, Radio Shack, Ace Hardware, Walgreens, Winn-Dixie, GM, Ford, Chrysler; just to name a few. Oh yeah; can't forget Microsoft. Look at Firehouse. Their goal is to be Number 1.
WalMart has never driven anyone out of business. Supply/demand and basic economics HAS. If I set up a lemonade stand and sell it for a buck a glass and the person down the street is selling it for 75 cents a glass, guess who gets the business?
I either find another supplier, lower my price, add products/diversify or I am out of business.
Irregardless of my bubbly and peppy nature.
CR

[mcaldwell]

I agree with you CR, but I also find it unfortunate that the low-quality discount chains can so easily displace the small business.

It is not Walmart's (or any other chain's) fault that we don't support the little guy. I used to avoid the big box stores like the plague thinking I was doing something good, but in the end, I couldn't save even one of those little guys. They all closed in due time, and now I have given in and shop the big stores like everyone else. All I can do now is lament at how I can't find the service or quality that I once took for granted.

I do have a big problem with businesses in general (not just retail) who operate on the principle that success is inextricably tied to growth. That can obviously indicate a degree of success in the short term, but it is simply not sustainable. Eventually, the business must either become a monopoly (which we know is bad), or collapse under the weight of a competitor. A business can maintain a good size and long-term profitability without becoming a mega-store. Unfortunately, the sheer design and structure of corporations often lends itself to this "growth at all costs" mentality.

But that is an argument for another day. ;)

[mcaldwell]

...Radio Shack...

They were just bought out by Circuit City. :rolleyes:

[cozmosis]

They were just bought out by Circuit City. :rolleyes:

Only in Canada. Circuit City bought the company that owned the rights to the RadioShack name in Canada. From what I've read, the RadioShack corporation sued and Circuit City will rename Canadian RadioShack stores. In the states, both Circuit City and RadioShack are still competitors.

[mcaldwell]

Only in Canada. Circuit City bought the company that owned the rights to the RadioShack name in Canada. From what I've read, the RadioShack corporation sued and Circuit City will rename Canadian RadioShack stores. In the states, both Circuit City and RadioShack are still competitors.


OK, I guess that's why they re-named them all "The Source", by Circuit City.

[LaFireEducator]

I really can't believe that we have 6 pages of dicussion on Wal-mart .. there must be something better to talk about. The simple truth is they provide jobs to people who need jobs and in all liklihood would have a tough time finding jobs elsewhere due to job history, lack of education, lack of motivation, etc. What the hell do you think a HS flunkee, or someone with a splocchy job history deserves to be paid ? If they workout, Wal-Mart rewards them well given the average level of education. As a former restraunt manager, I can honestly say that a fair percentage of the folks who worked for me, and probably a fair percentage who work for Wal-Mart as well, should get on thier knees every day and thank god (and Wal-Mart)they have a job. That's the reality of the Wal-Mart workforce ... and if they think things are that bad ..let em' try to find a better paying job with someone else (but ..it ain't gonna happen in most cases).

[coldfront]

:D Wal-Mart Damaged In Construction Blast

A construction blast damaged a Wal-Mart and injured three people.

It happened in Perry County around 10 Wednesday morning.

A construction zone near the Hazard Wal-Mart apparently sent rock crashing through the store's roof. Customers say it sounded like a bomb went off.

One customer and two employees were hurt. They are in the hospital but there injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

State Police are investigating the incident.

The Wal-Mart is still open for business

[Jonnee]

:D Wal-Mart Damaged In Construction Blast

A construction blast damaged a Wal-Mart and injured three people.

It happened in Perry County around 10 Wednesday morning.

A construction zone near the Hazard Wal-Mart apparently sent rock crashing through the store's roof. Customers say it sounded like a bomb went off.

One customer and two employees were hurt. They are in the hospital but there injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

State Police are investigating the incident.

The Wal-Mart is still open for business




So, what is the point??

[Smoke20286]

What's so funny about people being injured?

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

:D Wal-Mart Damaged In Construction Blast

A construction blast damaged a Wal-Mart and injured three people.

It happened in Perry County around 10 Wednesday morning.

A construction zone near the Hazard Wal-Mart apparently sent rock crashing through the store's roof. Customers say it sounded like a bomb went off.

One customer and two employees were hurt. They are in the hospital but there injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

State Police are investigating the incident.

The Wal-Mart is still open for business

Imagine how funny this would have been if people were killed?

You're an idiot.

[fireguy919]

Imagine how funny this would have been if people were killed?

You're an idiot.

You would be right on that one George and you beat me to it.

[coldfront]

If you guy's could chill a little.The main point in the story was the bottom line.WALMART IS STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

You would throught a caring company like walmart would has closed the doors out of respect.

I have cared for the injured for over twenty plus years.Nothing is funny about injury or death.If DIP ****S like you can't see the humor in walmart remaining open after the event.YOU CAN KISS THIS hillbilly *** ON THE COURT HOUSE LAWN.YOU FIRST GW:D .The bottom line for walmart is sale sale sale!


This could have been much worst if the customers had be struck by fallen prices along with rocks!

WARNING THIS MAY NOT BE FUNNY TO YOU! If you find this funny do not let GW know.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

If you guy's could chill a little.The main point in the story was the bottom line.WALMART IS STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

You would throught a caring company like walmart would has closed the doors out of respect.

I have cared for the injured for over twenty plus years.Nothing is funny about injury or death.If DIP ****S like you cant see the humor in walmart remaining open after the event.YOU CAN KISS THIS hillbilly *** ON THE COURT HOUSE LAWN.YOU FIRST GW:D .The bottom line for walmart is sale sale sale!

Nice try on your attempt at spin after you have been called on a stupid statement.
Walmart does have rock bottom prices with a big smiley, no less.

I'll stick by my post. I will also take a pass on your invitation, too. But thanks for the offer.

[baileydonk]

WALMART IS STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

You would throught a caring company like walmart would has closed the doors out of respect.

People were injured. Not killed. It's not good when people get injured, but people get injured every day and businesses don't shut down over it. If an employee were killed, I could see shutting down - or I hear of companies *offering* employees a day off to mourn, and if enough employees do take the day off the store may have to shut down.

But you're just picking because you don't like Walmart. They've got two injured employees and a hole in the roof - I see no reason not to keep the store open.

So I don't see the humor - I guess you'd better get on the courthouse lawn and pull those pants down, coldfront! But I probably won't kiss it, more like kick it!

[CaptOldTimer]

If you guy's could chill a little.The main point in the story was the bottom line.WALMART IS STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

You would throught a caring company like walmart would has closed the doors out of respect.

I have cared for the injured for over twenty plus years.Nothing is funny about injury or death.If DIP ****S like you can't see the humor in walmart remaining open after the event.YOU CAN KISS THIS hillbilly *** ON THE COURT HOUSE LAWN.YOU FIRST GW:D .The bottom line for walmart is sale sale sale!


This could have been much worst if the customers had be struck by fallen prices along with rocks!





WARNING THIS MAY NOT BE FUNNY TO YOU! If you find this funny do not let GW know.


:confused:

Nasty - Nasty

Such language!

I bet he could say others nasty things, if he knew how too!!

Maybe he needs to have a good talking too and sit on the side lines for a few games!!

:rolleyes: :eek:

[coldfront]

So I don't see the humor - I guess you'd better get on the courthouse lawn and pull those pants down, coldfront! But I probably won't kiss it, more like kick it![/QUOTE]

Dear Donkey

Walmart is wonderful .Please forgive me!

Crap that was close.I almost got my it kicked. :D

[Smoke20286]

Whether WALMART is wonderful or not is open for discussion, I happen to dispise the place, however no one but you seems to think that humourous that people were injured.

[fireguy919]

So I don't see the humor - I guess you'd better get on the courthouse lawn and pull those pants down, coldfront! But I probably won't kiss it, more like kick it!

Dear Donkey

Walmart is wonderful .Please forgive me!

Crap that was close.I almost got my it kicked. :D[/QUOTE]


You are wright we should all find amusement in people being injured and hurt. So what they stayed open. I work for auto dealer, couple of years ago a tire blew apart on the tire machine. As you can imagine the guy that was working on the tire was blown about 15 feet from the machine try not to laugh to hard. A few of us stabilized him and when the ambulance showed up they loaded him up and left. This is the best part, maybe hard to imagine but being a business we all went back to work. Hard to believe isn’t. A business staying open to make money how dare they. Just for the record it did put a hole in the wall by the machine.

[coldfront]

Whether WALMART is wonderful or not is open for discussion, I happen to dispise the place, however no one but you seems to think that humourous that people were injured.

I GIVE UP!
I have applied for a job with walmart.Apparently they have some opening to FILL.

[fireguy919]

I GIVE UP!
I have applied for a job with walmart.Apparently they have some opening to FILL.

Sounds like you may have found a job you can handle. Remember when you are pushing the carts back to the store. Watch out for traffic I would hate to see you get hit and have to close the town down.

[coldfront]

I am more concerned about flying rock and buckeye drivers! :D

[ChiefReason]

Waiter:
There's a fly in this thread.

[FyredUp]

doldfront...


You know you are out of line when smoke and I agree on something. I too hate walmart and have made that clear, but to joke about an accident that injures people in their store is simply not funny. And your follow up attempts are pitiful.

FyredUp

[Smoke20286]

doldfront...


You know you are out of line when smoke and I agree on something. I too hate walmart and have made that clear, but to joke about an accident that injures people in their store is simply not funny. And your follow up attempts are pitiful.

FyredUp

I may have to take a nap :eek:

[coldfront]

Arch rivals joining forces to roast little me!The ripple effects could be endless.In the beginning there was one now there are many!I shall forever be scared do to my throughtless post.To inject such dry humor is shameful on my part.I am ALSO now blocking the comedy channel in the fear of off cuff humor infecting me.Let me also denounce my denunciation of my buckeye friend.

P.S.
I **** in the Ohio river daily .Why you ask because Kentucky owns the darn nasty thing!

[fireguy919]

P.S.
I **** in the Ohio river daily .Why you ask because Kentucky owns the darn nasty thing!

Not where I'm at that would WVA and PA. :D . That owns the Ohio. Dude all I was saying is that it was wrong to make bad humor like that. Just IMO.

[truck6alpha]

Seven pages on why we hate/love Walmart. Can't say it wasn't worth the read at least. I hate Walmart, but for no other reason than I hate their commercials. It seems like every time I go to our local Walmart (which is necessary because they ran everyone else out of town) the people are nowhere near as cheery or helpful as they are in the commercials. No scientific fact here; just my personal observation, which I may or may not get fried for.

However, (disclaimer) I worked at the local Walmart part-time for a while, until I realized I could be mowing lawns part-time for better pay and I wouldn't have to wear a blue vest (and I probably wasn't very cheery or helpful either). Like every other firefighter in this nation, we're willing to try any off-duty job if it will make a buck and sounds interesting.

I do appreciate their contributions to society however; in addition to their corporate citizenship, they were the only place open for us in Slidell and I DEFINITELY needed something to eat other than an MRE. And those people were pretty cheery, especially for having just been through a major disaster, so maybe my Walmart-hating is more of a local issue.

[ChiefReason]

Seven pages on why we hate/love Walmart. Can't say it wasn't worth the read at least. I hate Walmart, but for no other reason than I hate their commercials. It seems like every time I go to our local Walmart (which is necessary because they ran everyone else out of town) the people are nowhere near as cheery or helpful as they are in the commercials. No scientific fact here; just my personal observation, which I may or may not get fried for.

However, (disclaimer) I worked at the local Walmart part-time for a while, until I realized I could be mowing lawns part-time for better pay and I wouldn't have to wear a blue vest (and I probably wasn't very cheery or helpful either). Like every other firefighter in this nation, we're willing to try any off-duty job if it will make a buck and sounds interesting.

I do appreciate their contributions to society however; in addition to their corporate citizenship, they were the only place open for us in Slidell and I DEFINITELY needed something to eat other than an MRE. And those people were pretty cheery, especially for having just been through a major disaster, so maybe my Walmart-hating is more of a local issue.
We hire some of our best forklift operators away from WalMart!
Thanks, WalMart! :cool:
CR

[LaLaMan]

Wal-Mart is still the most unethical companies in this country. I love how they make workers work off the clock, and FIRE them if they even PLAN on organizing.

15 mil is not even a days pay for them.

[Smoke20286]

BBC News (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4554404.stm)

The world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, has been ordered to pay $172m in compensation to workers who were refused lunch breaks.

From 2001, state law called for shift workers to get meal breaks or be compensated with extra pay. Wal-Mart workers got neither, the lawsuit charged.

Wal-Mart is still the most unethical companies in this country. I love how they make workers work off the clock, and FIRE them if they even PLAN on organizing.

LaLaMan

I think you are correct, the 172m is just for California by the way