Walmart's Philosophy of Screwing Workers

[MikeK]

So, you don't like Wal-Mart because you think Monsanto is killing your bees.

I don't like the power and control that mega corporations have over our government and our lives. Pay attention.

No.
You pay attention.

Regardless of how much the government may help a company, the only ones that keep it afloat are the consumers.

Walmart never would have made it if it werent for the people who preferred cheaper prices over paying normal prices charged by the local merchants.

lol...the mega comapnies give what the consumer wants and yet you villify them....the local merchants dont, and you put them on a pedestal.

You are too angry to debate with.

Im done here.

You either have missed, or are ignoring, the critical point that no corporation should be allowed to grow as big as WalMart.

While you are absolutely right about consumers being directly responsible for WalMart's phenomenal growth the intricacies of our economic system are such that it is necessary for government to exercise controls (regulations) which prevent the growth of such monsters. But corruption has eroded our political system via a progression of de-regulations, beginning with the Savings & Loan scandal enabled by Ronald Reagan -- The Man From General Electric.

Simply stated, the kind of greed which led to the wealth accumulation of the Walton family should not be tolerated. The kind of wealth generated by WalMart and other corporations is hoarded revenue, which imposes a top-heavy burden on the Economy. It should be controlled by some sort of profit-sharing requirement which would enable a more horizontal distribution of the Nation's wealth resources. As it is, ever since the inception of Reagan's "trickle down," supply side scheming the Nation's wealth has increasingly moved vertically, and we are seeing the consequences today.

The best analogy I can think of to illustrate the point I'm making about the need for government control is the example of speed limits and traffic lights. Think of them as regulations, which can be annoying -- especially when we are in a hurry. But imagine what it would be like without them.


PS: Yes. I am a socialist.

 

[Crackerjaxon]

Nothing is going to change for workers at Walmart until they develop the nerve to strike. Whining about worker's rights does nothing but waste bandwidth.

 

[EriktheRed]

I don't like the power and control that mega corporations have over our government and our lives. Pay attention.

No.
You pay attention.

Regardless of how much the government may help a company, the only ones that keep it afloat are the consumers.

Walmart never would have made it if it werent for the people who preferred cheaper prices over paying normal prices charged by the local merchants.

lol...the mega comapnies give what the consumer wants and yet you villify them....the local merchants dont, and you put them on a pedestal.

You are too angry to debate with.

Im done here.

You either have missed, or are ignoring, the critical point that no corporation should be allowed to grow as big as WalMart.

While you are absolutely right about consumers being directly responsible for WalMart's phenomenal growth the intricacies of our economic system are such that it is necessary for government to exercise controls (regulations) which prevent the growth of such monsters. But corruption has eroded our political system via a progression of de-regulations, beginning with the Savings & Loan scandal enabled by Ronald Reagan -- The Man From General Electric.

Simply stated, the kind of greed which led to the wealth accumulation of the Walton family should not be tolerated. The kind of wealth generated by WalMart and other corporations is hoarded revenue, which imposes a top-heavy burden on the Economy. It should be controlled by some sort of profit-sharing requirement which would enable a more horizontal distribution of the Nation's wealth resources. As it is, ever since the inception of Reagan's "trickle down," supply side scheming the Nation's wealth has increasingly moved vertically, and we are seeing the consequences today.

The best analogy I can think of to illustrate the point I'm making about the need for government control is the example of speed limits and traffic lights. Think of them as regulations, which can be annoying -- especially when we are in a hurry. But imagine what it would be like without them.

You lousy Robin Hood, wealth-stealing commie!


/sarcasm

 

[Crackerjaxon]

I don't like the power and control that mega corporations have over our government and our lives. Pay attention.

No.
You pay attention.

Regardless of how much the government may help a company, the only ones that keep it afloat are the consumers.

Walmart never would have made it if it werent for the people who preferred cheaper prices over paying normal prices charged by the local merchants.

lol...the mega comapnies give what the consumer wants and yet you villify them....the local merchants dont, and you put them on a pedestal.

You are too angry to debate with.

Im done here.

You either have missed, or are ignoring, the critical point that no corporation should be allowed to grow as big as WalMart.

While you are absolutely right about consumers being directly responsible for WalMart's phenomenal growth the intricacies of our economic system are such that it is necessary for government to exercise controls (regulations) which prevent the growth of such monsters. But corruption has eroded our political system via a progression of de-regulations, beginning with the Savings & Loan scandal enabled by Ronald Reagan -- The Man From General Electric.

Simply stated, the kind of greed which led to the wealth accumulation of the Walton family should not be tolerated. The kind of wealth generated by WalMart and other corporations is hoarded revenue, which imposes a top-heavy burden on the Economy. It should be controlled by some sort of profit-sharing requirement which would enable a more horizontal distribution of the Nation's wealth resources. As it is, ever since the inception of Reagan's "trickle down," supply side scheming the Nation's wealth has increasingly moved vertically, and we are seeing the consequences today.

The best analogy I can think of to illustrate the point I'm making about the need for government control is the example of speed limits and traffic lights. Think of them as regulations, which can be annoying -- especially when we are in a hurry. But imagine what it would be like without them.

If we had free enterprise in this country, we'd never have that problem. Government regulations do not protect the people, they protect established corporations.

More regulation will lead inevitably to more corruption.

 

[Samson]

These marxist peons obsession with walmart is comical...............

Dear L and R:

Go interview people from small ghost towns where all the local businesses were shut down
after Wal-Mart drove them out.

We could also interview Wal-Mart Employees whose parents never owned a business, and who might not be employed other than at Wal-Mart.

I'm certain you can find all sorts of disgruntled, inefficient shop owners in small town America who were quite happy to charge their fewer customers higher prices for smaller selections, but who could not compete with lower prices and volume efficiencies that Wal-Mart offers.

I'm also certain you can find disgruntled blacksmiths and tac-store owners that still rue the day when automobiles caused their business to decline. Capitalism supports market evolution: when someone has a better idea, they are rewarded. Those that can adapt will, and those that cannot will be in ghost towns.

 

[BillyV]

I don't like the power and control that mega corporations have over our government and our lives. Pay attention.

No.
You pay attention.

Regardless of how much the government may help a company, the only ones that keep it afloat are the consumers.

Walmart never would have made it if it werent for the people who preferred cheaper prices over paying normal prices charged by the local merchants.

lol...the mega comapnies give what the consumer wants and yet you villify them....the local merchants dont, and you put them on a pedestal.

You are too angry to debate with.

Im done here.

You either have missed, or are ignoring, the critical point that no corporation should be allowed to grow as big as WalMart.

While you are absolutely right about consumers being directly responsible for WalMart's phenomenal growth the intricacies of our economic system are such that it is necessary for government to exercise controls (regulations) which prevent the growth of such monsters. But corruption has eroded our political system via a progression of de-regulations, beginning with the Savings & Loan scandal enabled by Ronald Reagan -- The Man From General Electric.

Simply stated, the kind of greed which led to the wealth accumulation of the Walton family should not be tolerated. The kind of wealth generated by WalMart and other corporations is hoarded revenue, which imposes a top-heavy burden on the Economy. It should be controlled by some sort of profit-sharing requirement which would enable a more horizontal distribution of the Nation's wealth resources. As it is, ever since the inception of Reagan's "trickle down," supply side scheming the Nation's wealth has increasingly moved vertically, and we are seeing the consequences today.

The best analogy I can think of to illustrate the point I'm making about the need for government control is the example of speed limits and traffic lights. Think of them as regulations, which can be annoying -- especially when we are in a hurry. But imagine what it would be like without them.

But Microsoft, Apple and Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway are OK, right?

There is a whole division at the US Department of Justice which does nothing but bring antitrust cases. The goal is to ensure that there is adequate competition in the marketplace to avoid monopoly (or oligopoly) power leading to excessive pricing power. There is adequate competition in the retail marketplace notwithstanding Wal-Mart. Target, K-Mart, and many regional retail chains compete directly and effectively with Wal-Mart.

I'm afraid I find it difficult to feel sorry for the small local store who wants to sell an item for $20 that should be only $7.50; that kind of "local business" only hurts the lower and middle class.

 

[MikeK]

But Microsoft, Apple and Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway are OK, right?

I didn't say that. You did.

 

[depotoo]

Let's see, the average smoker at Walmart that works over 24 hours a week pays $29.60 for healthcare every 2 weeks. They also recieve in their health savings account $250 a year to defray out of pocket expenses. They also receive totally free preventative care. They also now receive totally free spine and heart surgery. $4 generic prescriptions. They also receive a 10% discount in their shopping at Walmart and Sam's Club. Their pay is on average with other big box stores. Matching contributions to the 401k plan up to 6%. Associate stock purchase plan with company match of 15 percent up to the first $1,800 you contribute each Plan year. Company paid life insurance.

Yeah, sounds like they are really screwing people over, doesn't it?

 

[depotoo]

These marxist peons obsession with walmart is comical...............

Dear L and R:

Go interview people from small ghost towns where all the local businesses were shut down
after Wal-Mart drove them out.

We could also interview Wal-Mart Employees whose parents never owned a business, and who might not be employed other than at Wal-Mart.

I'm certain you can find all sorts of disgruntled, inefficient shop owners in small town America who were quite happy to charge their fewer customers higher prices for smaller selections, but who could not compete with lower prices and volume efficiencies that Wal-Mart offers.

I'm also certain you can find disgruntled blacksmiths and tac-store owners that still rue the day when automobiles caused their business to decline. Capitalism supports market evolution: when someone has a better idea, they are rewarded. Those that can adapt will, and those that cannot will be in ghost towns.

Wonder how many of those mom and pop stores offered any benefits? Bet not many.

 

[KnobbyWalsh]

Let's see, the average smoker at Walmart that works over 24 hours a week pays $29.60 for healthcare every 2 weeks. They also recieve in their health savings account $250 a year to defray out of pocket expenses. They also receive totally free preventative care. They also now receive totally free spine and heart surgery. $4 generic prescriptions. They also receive a 10% discount in their shopping at Walmart and Sam's Club. Their pay is on average with other big box stores. Matching contributions to the 401k plan up to 6%. Associate stock purchase plan with company match of 15 percent up to the first $1,800 you contribute each Plan year. Company paid life insurance.

Yeah, sounds like they are really screwing people over, doesn't it?

I don't mind big box as an option, and I admit I occasionally am more or less "forced" toward them for certain things. I guess the historian in me, and my natural gravitation toward nostalgia, leads me to still be enthralled with areas that don't have them - or at least areas that keep them at an arm's length outside of town. Bardstown, Kentucky, one of my favorite American towns does this. It's cool just to go downtown and shop. Same with Winchester, Virginia's "Old Town."

 

[depotoo]

Let's see, the average smoker at Walmart that works over 24 hours a week pays $29.60 for healthcare every 2 weeks. They also recieve in their health savings account $250 a year to defray out of pocket expenses. They also receive totally free preventative care. They also now receive totally free spine and heart surgery. $4 generic prescriptions. They also receive a 10% discount in their shopping at Walmart and Sam's Club. Their pay is on average with other big box stores. Matching contributions to the 401k plan up to 6%. Associate stock purchase plan with company match of 15 percent up to the first $1,800 you contribute each Plan year. Company paid life insurance.

Yeah, sounds like they are really screwing people over, doesn't it?

I don't mind big box as an option, and I admit I occasionally am more or less "forced" toward them for certain things. I guess the historian in me, and my natural gravitation toward nostalgia, leads me to still be enthralled with areas that don't have them - or at least areas that keep them at an arm's length outside of town. Bardstown, Kentucky, one of my favorite American towns does this. It's cool just to go downtown and shop. Same with Winchester, Virginia's "Old Town."

You see, I believe there is room for both. Some offer benefits the others don't. Such as the small town stores offer unique items which of course you would not find at a Walmart or Target. They also have more time to spend with a customer. But you will pay for those things. Most of these smaller places will not be able to offer much in the way of benefits to their employees as they do not have the volume in sales to do so, from what I have heard, though.
So, yes, I personally find good in both.

 

[Intense]

Moved to Economy Forum

 

[Flopper]

Nothing is going to change for workers at Walmart until they develop the nerve to strike. Whining about worker's rights does nothing but waste bandwidth.

Striking would do no good. Without unions, Walmart could fill worker positions in a heartbeat. There are plenty of low skilled workers that would be happy to fill any open positions.

 

[Grandma]

As the economy improves, so does the job market. Laid off skilled workers that had to take WalMart jobs for the paycheck are now being called back to their better-paying old jobs.

As more and more of WalMart's "better" employees leave there for greener pastures the stores will be replacing them with less desirable employees that couldn't get an interview before. Their pool of applicants shrinks. It won't be too much longer before the staff at WalMart is the type of scummy dregs that drives customers away.

I've seen it happen before. More than once.

 

[Jarhead]

These marxist peons obsession with walmart is comical...............

Dear L and R:

Go interview people from small ghost towns where all the local businesses were shut down
after Wal-Mart drove them out.

Ask manufacturers what it's like to face the choice of
selling products at a loss to Wal-Mart (and go out of business over time)
or not being carried in the stores at all (and risk going out of business immediately).

Never mind the workers in China and America, and where the profits are going or not going.

I agree you shouldn't demonize corporations per se just for being large.

But if they abuse their collective resources and influence,
for unfair practices that are unethical and unsustainable,
it is up to consumers to be aware and to patronize local businesses with good practices
that invest back in longterm relations and stable growth of communities and economies.

Who is responsible for those towns becoming ghost towns?

You say Walmart.

Really?

Who bought from Walmart and stopped buying from the local merchants?

The local community did. They were paying local merchant prices, and then Walmart came in. The community decided they preferred lower prices. If they opted to stick with the local merchant, the towns would not have become ghost towns. But instead, their desire to make their money last longer prompted them to do what was in their own personal best interest....and the result was their demise.

Yes...their "greed" is what created their demise. Not Walmart.

Thus why I say...the greed of the 99% is what drives the success or failure of the 1%.

If they did not want their money to last longer, and instead continue to pay local merchant prices, Walmart would have failed, the local merchants would have survivied, and their towns would not be ghost towns.

 

[Jarhead]

As the economy improves, so does the job market. Laid off skilled workers that had to take WalMart jobs for the paycheck are now being called back to their better-paying old jobs.

As more and more of WalMart's "better" employees leave there for greener pastures the stores will be replacing them with less desirable employees that couldn't get an interview before. Their pool of applicants shrinks. It won't be too much longer before the staff at WalMart is the type of scummy dregs that drives customers away.

I've seen it happen before. More than once.

And what you describe?

That is the free market in action.

Thus why I say...leave it alone....do not interfere with the free market.

A forced market does not have natural corrections as the free market does.

 

[Jarhead]

Let's see, the average smoker at Walmart that works over 24 hours a week pays $29.60 for healthcare every 2 weeks. They also recieve in their health savings account $250 a year to defray out of pocket expenses. They also receive totally free preventative care. They also now receive totally free spine and heart surgery. $4 generic prescriptions. They also receive a 10% discount in their shopping at Walmart and Sam's Club. Their pay is on average with other big box stores. Matching contributions to the 401k plan up to 6%. Associate stock purchase plan with company match of 15 percent up to the first $1,800 you contribute each Plan year. Company paid life insurance.

Yeah, sounds like they are really screwing people over, doesn't it?

I don't mind big box as an option, and I admit I occasionally am more or less "forced" toward them for certain things. I guess the historian in me, and my natural gravitation toward nostalgia, leads me to still be enthralled with areas that don't have them - or at least areas that keep them at an arm's length outside of town. Bardstown, Kentucky, one of my favorite American towns does this. It's cool just to go downtown and shop. Same with Winchester, Virginia's "Old Town."

We still have a local hardware store. We have a Home Depot about 4 towns from me and an Ace Hardaware one town from me. But I like the local hardware store. I walk in and say "Mike I need three 4 inch carriage bolts and corresponding nuts" and bingo.....I am done. None of that "you must buy a box of 100 and you can find them in aisle 35...a half mile down to the left"....

I like the local merchant....b ut even Mike's store is suffering becuase the community likes the lower prices and bigger selection of a Home Depot.

It is sad...but it is reality. The desire for "lower prices and convenience" is what drives the success of the mega companies...it is the conmsumer that dictates who survives and who fails.

Heck...home depot can slash their prices to 10 cents for a recrpricating saw just to corner the market...but oif the consumer doesnt bite, Home Depot will fail.

But you cant blame Home Depot for a business model that works....for it is the consumer that makes it work.

 

[asterism]

Let's see, the average smoker at Walmart that works over 24 hours a week pays $29.60 for healthcare every 2 weeks. They also recieve in their health savings account $250 a year to defray out of pocket expenses. They also receive totally free preventative care. They also now receive totally free spine and heart surgery. $4 generic prescriptions. They also receive a 10% discount in their shopping at Walmart and Sam's Club. Their pay is on average with other big box stores. Matching contributions to the 401k plan up to 6%. Associate stock purchase plan with company match of 15 percent up to the first $1,800 you contribute each Plan year. Company paid life insurance.

Yeah, sounds like they are really screwing people over, doesn't it?

I don't mind big box as an option, and I admit I occasionally am more or less "forced" toward them for certain things. I guess the historian in me, and my natural gravitation toward nostalgia, leads me to still be enthralled with areas that don't have them - or at least areas that keep them at an arm's length outside of town. Bardstown, Kentucky, one of my favorite American towns does this. It's cool just to go downtown and shop. Same with Winchester, Virginia's "Old Town."

We still have a local hardware store. We have a Home Depot about 4 towns from me and an Ace Hardaware one town from me. But I like the local hardware store. I walk in and say "Mike I need three 4 inch carriage bolts and corresponding nuts" and bingo.....I am done. None of that "you must buy a box of 100 and you can find them in aisle 35...a half mile down to the left"....

I like the local merchant....b ut even Mike's store is suffering becuase the community likes the lower prices and bigger selection of a Home Depot.

It is sad...but it is reality. The desire for "lower prices and convenience" is what drives the success of the mega companies...it is the conmsumer that dictates who survives and who fails.

Heck...home depot can slash their prices to 10 cents for a recrpricating saw just to corner the market...but oif the consumer doesnt bite, Home Depot will fail.

But you cant blame Home Depot for a business model that works....for it is the consumer that makes it work.

The local stores weren't all that great everywhere. I remember waiting 2 weeks for a set of bolts to fit the carburetor of a chainsaw 30 years ago. Now if I can't find some at Home Depot or Lowes they can order it and it'll be there in a day or two.

The local stores didn't pay well in the 80s either. Minimum wage, no benefits, and crappy working conditions. Had to clock out for lunch but couldn't leave the store, couldn't clock in until the doors opened, and no advancement.

 

[Flopper]

Let's see, the average smoker at Walmart that works over 24 hours a week pays $29.60 for healthcare every 2 weeks. They also recieve in their health savings account $250 a year to defray out of pocket expenses. They also receive totally free preventative care. They also now receive totally free spine and heart surgery. $4 generic prescriptions. They also receive a 10% discount in their shopping at Walmart and Sam's Club. Their pay is on average with other big box stores. Matching contributions to the 401k plan up to 6%. Associate stock purchase plan with company match of 15 percent up to the first $1,800 you contribute each Plan year. Company paid life insurance.

Yeah, sounds like they are really screwing people over, doesn't it?

I don't mind big box as an option, and I admit I occasionally am more or less "forced" toward them for certain things. I guess the historian in me, and my natural gravitation toward nostalgia, leads me to still be enthralled with areas that don't have them - or at least areas that keep them at an arm's length outside of town. Bardstown, Kentucky, one of my favorite American towns does this. It's cool just to go downtown and shop. Same with Winchester, Virginia's "Old Town."

We still have a local hardware store. We have a Home Depot about 4 towns from me and an Ace Hardaware one town from me. But I like the local hardware store. I walk in and say "Mike I need three 4 inch carriage bolts and corresponding nuts" and bingo.....I am done. None of that "you must buy a box of 100 and you can find them in aisle 35...a half mile down to the left"....

I like the local merchant....b ut even Mike's store is suffering becuase the community likes the lower prices and bigger selection of a Home Depot.

It is sad...but it is reality. The desire for "lower prices and convenience" is what drives the success of the mega companies...it is the conmsumer that dictates who survives and who fails.

Heck...home depot can slash their prices to 10 cents for a recrpricating saw just to corner the market...but oif the consumer doesnt bite, Home Depot will fail.

But you cant blame Home Depot for a business model that works....for it is the consumer that makes it work.

Most people I know would rather shop at local stores, but the fact is the prices are higher and for a lot of us on a tight budget, we have to shop where the prices are low.

There will always be a place for the small local store, but they will be operating in a niche market such as the handle and knob store and the marine hardware store in my town, a place where personal service is a part of the purchase.

 

[EdwardBaiamonte]

But you cant blame Home Depot for a business model that works....for it is the consumer that makes it work.

yes millions of consumers vote with their feet everyday for Walmart and Home Depot, but libturds don't like what free people do so want to violently stop them!! Liberalism is always violent!