Tell-a-friend!
Why you're right:
1. Wal-Mart destroys more jobs than it creates. A new
Wal-Mart destroys jobs by putting local merchants out of business. The jobs
Wal-Mart creates are fewer, lower-paying and mostly part-time. (Good
Jobs First)
2. Wal-Mart burdens public health care programs. Most jobs
at Wal-Mart have little or no health benefits. Wal-Mart encourages its
workers to seek public assistance for their health care. In Georgia, 10,000
children of Wal-Mart employees were enrolled in the public health insurance
program. (NOW with Bill Moyers, AFL-CIO)
3. Wal-Mart exploits workers. The average hourly worker
makes just $18,000 dollars a year. Meanwhile, in 2002, the corporation raked
in $6.6 billion in profits. Wal-Mart has known for years that many of its
stores violate child labor laws and state regulations requiring work breaks
- but has done little, if anything, to stop it. (Mother
Jones,
New York Times)
4. Wal-Mart degrades the environment. The federal
government charged Wal-Mart with violating the Clean Water Act in 17
locations across the country. Run-off from Wal-Mart construction sites
polluted drinking water, streams and lakes. To settle the charges Wal-Mart
agreed to pay a $1 million dollar fine. (EPA)
Why They're Wrong:
Proponents of Wal-Mart tout their low prices - and the positive impact they
have on the purchasing power of consumers. But Wal-Mart is able to provide
low prices because they are heavily subsidized by taxpayers. In addition to
relying on public health care for their employees, Wal-Mart has benefited
from over $1 billion in economic development subsidies. (Good
Jobs First)
A Better Idea:
Make corporations like Wal-Mart help pay for public assistance programs from
which they benefit. Instead of providing taxpayer subsidies to Wal-Mart,
invest in businesses that provide stable jobs with adequate wages and health
benefits.
Return to:
www.WritingResource.org/
www.UnionResource.org/
Why
Wal-Mart Is Bad 
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