Anonymous wrote:

Um, please get your facts straight. DC didn't say "no" to Wal-mart, they simply had a condition that Wal-Mart wasn't willing to fulfill: a livable wage. For once, I am actually proud of the DC Council for doing the right thing. And, that is not a sentence I thought I ever would type!

Okay, lots of misinformation on this thread. First, DC Minimum was is 8.25/hr. Average wages for Walmart are 12.67. Walmart is not pulling out of all stores, but pulling out of 3. They may in fact be paying the 12.50 an hour, but Walmart is known for not bowing down to criticism, so they will not agree to this, in part to show other cities they mean business.

In terms of this 'big box' ruling by the DC city council: frankly it is full of shit. I'm all for raising the minimum wage, for the entire city. But there has been NO political will to do so, because who is against it??? the business community, who have a lot of power/influenc eon the city council. Much research has shown that raising minimum wages has not, in fact, negatively impacted businesses in most cities.

Let's also examine who is behind the Living Wage rule just passed. Is it the Labor unions, concerned for exploited workers?

No, in fact, it is the BUSINESS COMMUNITY in dc, who are worried about competition. The same folks who have not supported raising the minimum wage for all workers.

Now, I don't like Walmart at all. I am not happy about thte fact that one of the stores that they are sticking with is within a mile of my house. I would MUCH prefer other kinds of retail, but frankly, Georgia avenue is not developing on its own. I live in the neighborhood of the future--and it always will be. My sense is that bringing Walmart in could be bad for the neighborhood, or could be a wash. I don't see much good in it, but what I dislike is the underhanded bullshit attempt by the business community to block walmart based on some fake sympathy for exploited workers--and ditto for the council members who supported the bill. Raise the minimum wage to 9.00/hr for all workers, and start coming up with alternatives to walmart and making this city an attractive place to do business. Oh, but given the inherent dysfunctionality and corruption in DC politics, who wants to open a business here?

The message that this most recent ruling has just sent is one that didn't go just to Walmart--it also went to Target, and Wegmans, and REI and any number of other large businesses that might want to open up retail in DC--the message is that this is a shitty, shitty place to do business, with a weak-willed, easily corrupted city council and a very influential existing business community.

OR that if you are a corporation with more than $1B in corporate profits, operating in an enormous space, and employing members of the community, you need to pay them wages that will allow them to meet their basic needs, rather than forcing them onto welfare and making the District pay for them while you extract cheap labor.

I get what you're saying about Georgia Avenue needing development, I really do. But Walmart jobs are the employment equivalent of feeding a starving dog poisoned meat. He'll eat it, and may feel better for a little bit, but it'll kill him in the end.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Walmarts do not improve neighborhoods in my view. Yuck.

but welfare for life does?

http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jun/07/business/la-fi-wal-mart-wages-20130607

Headline says it all: "Wal-Mart's wages drive employees onto public benefits, report says"

DC minimum wage is NOT 12.50, I don't know why someone wrote that. I also think people need to distinguish between West of the Park and East of the River. Walmart coming or not coming has zero impact on the neighborhoods east of the park. However, its a huge loss to east of the river of folks where there is almost no retail particularly full size grocery stores. I live in Petworth (on Ga ave for those of you who dont cross the park) and the washington business journal just did a story on Petworth being the hottest neighborhood in the area based on year over year increases. My own house has appreciated from 540k to $780 k in two years and I can assure you it has nothing to do with walmart.

Costco was pay $10/hr to my fellow high school students in Pentagon City 10-15 years ago. They definitely have always paid well for retail.

Why would you think a tacky Walmart store would increase your value in the city? People don't move to the city for Walmart, thats what suburbia is for. I am East of the River and I'm much happier seeing defense contractors, DHS, restaurants, art galleries, streetcars, etc move to the neighborhood instead.

Big box retail offers the prospect of a quick fix for some neighborhoods, but in the end its a quick, ugly and down market fix. If you are invested long term the space that not having a Walmart will open up will be a good thing for your neighborhood. The same thing goes for DC as a whole. Sends a message to business that DC as a city has values and wants to attract certain types of business. In the end a good thing for the city.

Um, please get your facts straight. DC didn't say "no" to Wal-mart, they simply had a condition that Wal-Mart wasn't willing to fulfill: a livable wage. For once, I am actually proud of the DC Council for doing the right thing. And, that is not a sentence I thought I ever would type!

Okay, lots of misinformation on this thread. First, DC Minimum was is 8.25/hr. Average wages for Walmart are 12.67. Walmart is not pulling out of all stores, but pulling out of 3. They may in fact be paying the 12.50 an hour, but Walmart is known for not bowing down to criticism, so they will not agree to this, in part to show other cities they mean business.

In terms of this 'big box' ruling by the DC city council: frankly it is full of shit. I'm all for raising the minimum wage, for the entire city. But there has been NO political will to do so, because who is against it??? the business community, who have a lot of power/influenc eon the city council. Much research has shown that raising minimum wages has not, in fact, negatively impacted businesses in most cities.

Let's also examine who is behind the Living Wage rule just passed. Is it the Labor unions, concerned for exploited workers?

No, in fact, it is the BUSINESS COMMUNITY in dc, who are worried about competition. The same folks who have not supported raising the minimum wage for all workers.

Now, I don't like Walmart at all. I am not happy about thte fact that one of the stores that they are sticking with is within a mile of my house. I would MUCH prefer other kinds of retail, but frankly, Georgia avenue is not developing on its own. I live in the neighborhood of the future--and it always will be. My sense is that bringing Walmart in could be bad for the neighborhood, or could be a wash. I don't see much good in it, but what I dislike is the underhanded bullshit attempt by the business community to block walmart based on some fake sympathy for exploited workers--and ditto for the council members who supported the bill. Raise the minimum wage to 9.00/hr for all workers, and start coming up with alternatives to walmart and making this city an attractive place to do business. Oh, but given the inherent dysfunctionality and corruption in DC politics, who wants to open a business here?

The message that this most recent ruling has just sent is one that didn't go just to Walmart--it also went to Target, and Wegmans, and REI and any number of other large businesses that might want to open up retail in DC--the message is that this is a shitty, shitty place to do business, with a weak-willed, easily corrupted city council and a very influential existing business community.

Anonymous wrote:Walmarts do not improve neighborhoods in my view. Yuck.

but welfare for life does?

Walmarts do not improve neighborhoods in my view. Yuck.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem just isn't walmart it is that dc is setting up anti business rules against large businesses. This is going to have a ripple effect on other companies like costco, target etc.

Costco is already paying its employees a living wage, because it is not run by disgusting, soul-sucking scumbags like Walmart is.

Sorry, off-topic.

Thats bull shit

From HuffPost yesterday: http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3575730?ncid=txtlnkushpmg00000029

"'Walmart’s wages really are a mystery," Schlademan said. "They’ve never revealed their methodology behind their wage numbers, other than to confirm that they don’t count hundreds of thousands of part-time and temporary associates in their averages, who make up a significant portion of their workforce.'

With exceptions like Costco, wages are generally low throughout the retail industry, be it at Walmart, Target or mom-and-pop stores. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail sales workers earned on average around $11.35 an hour last year, with cashiers at $9.81. Workers within the industry are increasingly finding themselves on part-time schedules, as well.

Last year, HuffPost published internal Walmart documents detailing the company's wage policies, showing the limited raises many workers see over time. A cart pusher who started out at $8 per hour, for instance, can expect to be earning about $10.60 per hour after six years and a promotion. The company told HuffPost last year that half of its hourly associates in the U.S. make less than $10 per hour."

Are you an idiot? The DC minimum wage is now 12.50/hour which is higher than the 11.35 Costco retail workers average and MUCH higher than the 9.81 cashier average. Yes costco is going to be affected as well.

Are you an idiot? Costco pays above the average retail wage cited. Costco pays about $45,000 per year, or $20.89 to its hourly employees. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/06/richard-galanti-wages_n_3396101.html and http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-06-06/costco-ceo-craig-jelinek-leads-the-cheapest-happiest-company-in-the-world#p1

How can Costco afford to pay cashiers the salary of first year school teachers and emergency medical technicians.

+1. I'm sorry but at my first professional job (I.e. Requiring a college degree) 10 years ago I made $29K. As a fucking checkout clerk you should not make more than a first year professional out of college.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem just isn't walmart it is that dc is setting up anti business rules against large businesses. This is going to have a ripple effect on other companies like costco, target etc.

Costco is already paying its employees a living wage, because it is not run by disgusting, soul-sucking scumbags like Walmart is.

Sorry, off-topic.

Thats bull shit

From HuffPost yesterday: http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3575730?ncid=txtlnkushpmg00000029

"'Walmart’s wages really are a mystery," Schlademan said. "They’ve never revealed their methodology behind their wage numbers, other than to confirm that they don’t count hundreds of thousands of part-time and temporary associates in their averages, who make up a significant portion of their workforce.'

With exceptions like Costco, wages are generally low throughout the retail industry, be it at Walmart, Target or mom-and-pop stores. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail sales workers earned on average around $11.35 an hour last year, with cashiers at $9.81. Workers within the industry are increasingly finding themselves on part-time schedules, as well.

Last year, HuffPost published internal Walmart documents detailing the company's wage policies, showing the limited raises many workers see over time. A cart pusher who started out at $8 per hour, for instance, can expect to be earning about $10.60 per hour after six years and a promotion. The company told HuffPost last year that half of its hourly associates in the U.S. make less than $10 per hour."

Are you an idiot? The DC minimum wage is now 12.50/hour which is higher than the 11.35 Costco retail workers average and MUCH higher than the 9.81 cashier average. Yes costco is going to be affected as well.

Are you an idiot? Costco pays above the average retail wage cited. Costco pays about $45,000 per year, or $20.89 to its hourly employees. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/06/richard-galanti-wages_n_3396101.html and http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-06-06/costco-ceo-craig-jelinek-leads-the-cheapest-happiest-company-in-the-world#p1

How can Costco afford to pay cashiers the salary of first year school teachers and emergency medical technicians.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem just isn't walmart it is that dc is setting up anti business rules against large businesses. This is going to have a ripple effect on other companies like costco, target etc.

Costco is already paying its employees a living wage, because it is not run by disgusting, soul-sucking scumbags like Walmart is.

Sorry, off-topic.

Thats bull shit

From HuffPost yesterday: http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3575730?ncid=txtlnkushpmg00000029

"'Walmart’s wages really are a mystery," Schlademan said. "They’ve never revealed their methodology behind their wage numbers, other than to confirm that they don’t count hundreds of thousands of part-time and temporary associates in their averages, who make up a significant portion of their workforce.'

With exceptions like Costco, wages are generally low throughout the retail industry, be it at Walmart, Target or mom-and-pop stores. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail sales workers earned on average around $11.35 an hour last year, with cashiers at $9.81. Workers within the industry are increasingly finding themselves on part-time schedules, as well.

Last year, HuffPost published internal Walmart documents detailing the company's wage policies, showing the limited raises many workers see over time. A cart pusher who started out at $8 per hour, for instance, can expect to be earning about $10.60 per hour after six years and a promotion. The company told HuffPost last year that half of its hourly associates in the U.S. make less than $10 per hour."

Are you an idiot? The DC minimum wage is now 12.50/hour which is higher than the 11.35 Costco retail workers average and MUCH higher than the 9.81 cashier average. Yes costco is going to be affected as well.

Are you an idiot? Costco pays above the average retail wage cited. Costco pays about $45,000 per year, or $20.89 to its hourly employees. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/06/richard-galanti-wages_n_3396101.html and http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-06-06/costco-ceo-craig-jelinek-leads-the-cheapest-happiest-company-in-the-world#p1

BAM bitch "Costco pays its employees an average hourly wage of $11.50 to start."

STILL higher than DC livable bull shit wage you idiot

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/costco-ceo-supports-minimum-wage-hike-2013-3#ixzz2YmvxJvEB

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem just isn't walmart it is that dc is setting up anti business rules against large businesses. This is going to have a ripple effect on other companies like costco, target etc.

Costco is already paying its employees a living wage, because it is not run by disgusting, soul-sucking scumbags like Walmart is.

Sorry, off-topic.

Thats bull shit

From HuffPost yesterday: http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3575730?ncid=txtlnkushpmg00000029

"'Walmart’s wages really are a mystery," Schlademan said. "They’ve never revealed their methodology behind their wage numbers, other than to confirm that they don’t count hundreds of thousands of part-time and temporary associates in their averages, who make up a significant portion of their workforce.'

With exceptions like Costco, wages are generally low throughout the retail industry, be it at Walmart, Target or mom-and-pop stores. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail sales workers earned on average around $11.35 an hour last year, with cashiers at $9.81. Workers within the industry are increasingly finding themselves on part-time schedules, as well.

Last year, HuffPost published internal Walmart documents detailing the company's wage policies, showing the limited raises many workers see over time. A cart pusher who started out at $8 per hour, for instance, can expect to be earning about $10.60 per hour after six years and a promotion. The company told HuffPost last year that half of its hourly associates in the U.S. make less than $10 per hour."

Are you an idiot? The DC minimum wage is now 12.50/hour which is higher than the 11.35 Costco retail workers average and MUCH higher than the 9.81 cashier average. Yes costco is going to be affected as well.

Are you an idiot? Costco pays above the average retail wage cited. Costco pays about $45,000 per year, or $20.89 to its hourly employees. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/06/richard-galanti-wages_n_3396101.html and http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-06-06/costco-ceo-craig-jelinek-leads-the-cheapest-happiest-company-in-the-world#p1

Don't get pissed at me when you have to drive to virginia for stores moron.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem just isn't walmart it is that dc is setting up anti business rules against large businesses. This is going to have a ripple effect on other companies like costco, target etc.

Costco is already paying its employees a living wage, because it is not run by disgusting, soul-sucking scumbags like Walmart is.

Sorry, off-topic.

Thats bull shit

From HuffPost yesterday: http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3575730?ncid=txtlnkushpmg00000029

"'Walmart’s wages really are a mystery," Schlademan said. "They’ve never revealed their methodology behind their wage numbers, other than to confirm that they don’t count hundreds of thousands of part-time and temporary associates in their averages, who make up a significant portion of their workforce.'

With exceptions like Costco, wages are generally low throughout the retail industry, be it at Walmart, Target or mom-and-pop stores. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail sales workers earned on average around $11.35 an hour last year, with cashiers at $9.81. Workers within the industry are increasingly finding themselves on part-time schedules, as well.

Last year, HuffPost published internal Walmart documents detailing the company's wage policies, showing the limited raises many workers see over time. A cart pusher who started out at $8 per hour, for instance, can expect to be earning about $10.60 per hour after six years and a promotion. The company told HuffPost last year that half of its hourly associates in the U.S. make less than $10 per hour."

Are you an idiot? The DC minimum wage is now 12.50/hour which is higher than the 11.35 Costco retail workers average and MUCH higher than the 9.81 cashier average. Yes costco is going to be affected as well.

Are you an idiot? Costco pays above the average retail wage cited. Costco pays about $45,000 per year, or $20.89 to its hourly employees. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/06/richard-galanti-wages_n_3396101.html and http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-06-06/costco-ceo-craig-jelinek-leads-the-cheapest-happiest-company-in-the-world#p1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem just isn't walmart it is that dc is setting up anti business rules against large businesses. This is going to have a ripple effect on other companies like costco, target etc.

Costco is already paying its employees a living wage, because it is not run by disgusting, soul-sucking scumbags like Walmart is.

Sorry, off-topic.

Thats bull shit

From HuffPost yesterday: http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3575730?ncid=txtlnkushpmg00000029

"'Walmart’s wages really are a mystery," Schlademan said. "They’ve never revealed their methodology behind their wage numbers, other than to confirm that they don’t count hundreds of thousands of part-time and temporary associates in their averages, who make up a significant portion of their workforce.'

With exceptions like Costco, wages are generally low throughout the retail industry, be it at Walmart, Target or mom-and-pop stores. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail sales workers earned on average around $11.35 an hour last year, with cashiers at $9.81. Workers within the industry are increasingly finding themselves on part-time schedules, as well.

Last year, HuffPost published internal Walmart documents detailing the company's wage policies, showing the limited raises many workers see over time. A cart pusher who started out at $8 per hour, for instance, can expect to be earning about $10.60 per hour after six years and a promotion. The company told HuffPost last year that half of its hourly associates in the U.S. make less than $10 per hour."

Are you an idiot? The DC minimum wage is now 12.50/hour which is higher than the 11.35 Costco retail workers average and MUCH higher than the 9.81 cashier average. Yes costco is going to be affected as well.

OP surely is joking.