January 19, 2005
The 'Politics' of Wal-Mart and Sam's Club!
This is from the UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers)local 400 website
Do We Want to Trade Good Jobs at Giant, Safeway, Shoppers Food Warehouse, Kroger, and Magruders Which Have Good Wages, Health Care Benefits and Pensions for Poverty Level Jobs at Wal-mart? We Hope Not!
Over the past decade, Wal-Mart has become the largest corporation in the world. With over $220 billion each year in revenues, this giant has become a fixture in America and is the largest retailer in history. Chances are, if you’re looking to buy any product, Wal-Mart's got it. And in many of our communities Wal-Mart is the only place for miles you can buy anything. At first glance, one may be impressed by the rapid growth and phenomenal sales figures of Wal-Mart. Community leaders and politicians may also be drawn by the Wal-Mart promise of new jobs and infusion to the tax base. After all, with "Supercenters" averaging over 200,000 square feet (more than 4 football fields!) of selling area, these stores must bring in new business to our communities. And surely all businesses will benefit from these new long-distance shoppers... right?
Wrong. Simply put, Wal-Mart has perfected the art of 'conquer and destroy' unlike any retailer in history. Time and again, communities across America experience the wrath of Wal-Mart’s ruthless business practices first hand. Lured by the same promises of low-cost, one-stop shopping, hundreds of new jobs and an expanded tax base, community leaders not only allow Wal-Mart to build their "Supercenters," they often engage in bidding wars to see which will be the next "lucky" suburb to get a Wal-Mart. As part of the business enticements, Wal-Mart is often offered tax breaks and incentives to build. Additionally, it is not unheard of to have zoning changed to suit Wal-Mart’s needs, building regulations stretched where they find it necessary, roads and water lines expanded all at no cost to Wal-Mart. When this occurs, communities are "paying Wal-Mart," even before the store opens!
To read the entire article, click the title
There is also a fascinating discussion on the future of labor at this SEIU (Service Employees International Union) sponsored website.
SEIU has also creted another site dedicated to Walmart. Check out their Walmart fact sheet.
Posted by Melissa at January 19, 2005 06:54 PM