Wal-Mart announced Tuesday that it will chop prices between 10 to 30 percent this week on groceries, electronics and other home-related products

[AnewKINDofFEELIN 0]

Could you support your family, the way you do now, working at Wal-Mart? Those jobs are a step above slavery if you ask me. I'll give my money to help keep people working at fair wages.

Only a looser would try. Wal-Mart, like a fast food joint, is an entry level job. The difference in what Target pays it's workers and Wal-Mart isn't enough to make much difference. Like it or not there will always be some jobs that don't pay enough to have a $150K house with 2 cars and put 3 kids though college.

So if your beef with Wal-Mart is the 50 cent difference it pays the cashiers then it's a small difference indeed.

Looser than what?

[GaryC 7]

Could you support your family, the way you do now, working at Wal-Mart? Those jobs are a step above slavery if you ask me. I'll give my money to help keep people working at fair wages.

Only a looser would try. Wal-Mart, like a fast food joint, is an entry level job. The difference in what Target pays it's workers and Wal-Mart isn't enough to make much difference. Like it or not there will always be some jobs that don't pay enough to have a $150K house with 2 cars and put 3 kids though college.

So if your beef with Wal-Mart is the 50 cent difference it pays the cashiers then it's a small difference indeed.

I find this exceptionally sad Gary. How many of our immigrant spouses come over here with education that is not accepted here and must start at entry level jobs? What if something happens to the USC (who only might be steps up the ladder) and the family has very little choice but to rely on some interim benefits to the USC and a entry level wage by the immigrant spouse? Losers?

They are not supporting their families then are they? They may be supplementing the family income but our spouses are not acting as the breadwinner. Retail stores and food service are designed as a stepping stones to a better job. They do not require skills or experience so therefore the pay is low. Those are the facts, I didn't make the rules. But someone who starts a family with skills that only get them a job stocking shelves is not acting responsibly. Sorry, but I will not retract my statement.

In the scenario I suggested they certainly *are* supporting the family. I don't think its that far of a stretch to invision something like this happening.

Especially when you look around and see that these are the only new jobs being created in the economy - all of the 'good' jobs have either been outsourced or downsized and all you have left are McJobs.... There are people with graduate degrees and many years experience in 'real' jobs now doing retail because it's the only kind of work they can find now.

And Wal-Mart is to blame for that how?

[no name 1]

Could you support your family, the way you do now, working at Wal-Mart? Those jobs are a step above slavery if you ask me. I'll give my money to help keep people working at fair wages.

Only a looser would try. Wal-Mart, like a fast food joint, is an entry level job. The difference in what Target pays it's workers and Wal-Mart isn't enough to make much difference. Like it or not there will always be some jobs that don't pay enough to have a $150K house with 2 cars and put 3 kids though college.

So if your beef with Wal-Mart is the 50 cent difference it pays the cashiers then it's a small difference indeed.

I find this exceptionally sad Gary. How many of our immigrant spouses come over here with education that is not accepted here and must start at entry level jobs? What if something happens to the USC (who only might be steps up the ladder) and the family has very little choice but to rely on some interim benefits to the USC and a entry level wage by the immigrant spouse? Losers?

They are not supporting their families then are they? They may be supplementing the family income but our spouses are not acting as the breadwinner. Retail stores and food service are designed as a stepping stones to a better job. They do not require skills or experience so therefore the pay is low. Those are the facts, I didn't make the rules. But someone who starts a family with skills that only get them a job stocking shelves is not acting responsibly. Sorry, but I will not retract my statement.

How do you climb up on that pedestal EVERY DAY?

Newsflash: Retail stores/food service need assistant managers/managers/regionals/corporates as well.

Tell me, when you were living in your car, with kids to feed - was working in a retail store/restaurant beneath you then?

Some look down on blue collar workers too. For the same reasons you said. Just sayin'.

There was never a time when any job was beneath me. I just recognize that some jobs are entry level and some jobs are not. Hell, I got off the streets by cutting up fish 12 hours a day. Name me ANY retail store that pays it's stockers and cashiers a living wage. When I was a kid I worked at a Ma and Pa store and the wages sucked. At least Wal-Mart gives job security. The difference in the pay for a Target store and a Wal-Mart store isn't enough to make a difference. Oh, and don't you think a Target or Kmart store puts the Ma and Pa stores out of business?

But there is now. Sad.

[GaryC 7]

Could you support your family, the way you do now, working at Wal-Mart? Those jobs are a step above slavery if you ask me. I'll give my money to help keep people working at fair wages.

Only a looser would try. Wal-Mart, like a fast food joint, is an entry level job. The difference in what Target pays it's workers and Wal-Mart isn't enough to make much difference. Like it or not there will always be some jobs that don't pay enough to have a $150K house with 2 cars and put 3 kids though college.

So if your beef with Wal-Mart is the 50 cent difference it pays the cashiers then it's a small difference indeed.

I find this exceptionally sad Gary. How many of our immigrant spouses come over here with education that is not accepted here and must start at entry level jobs? What if something happens to the USC (who only might be steps up the ladder) and the family has very little choice but to rely on some interim benefits to the USC and a entry level wage by the immigrant spouse? Losers?

They are not supporting their families then are they? They may be supplementing the family income but our spouses are not acting as the breadwinner. Retail stores and food service are designed as a stepping stones to a better job. They do not require skills or experience so therefore the pay is low. Those are the facts, I didn't make the rules. But someone who starts a family with skills that only get them a job stocking shelves is not acting responsibly. Sorry, but I will not retract my statement.

How do you climb up on that pedestal EVERY DAY?

Newsflash: Retail stores/food service need assistant managers/managers/regionals/corporates as well.

Tell me, when you were living in your car, with kids to feed - was working in a retail store/restaurant beneath you then?

Some look down on blue collar workers too. For the same reasons you said. Just sayin'.

There was never a time when any job was beneath me. I just recognize that some jobs are entry level and some jobs are not. Hell, I got off the streets by cutting up fish 12 hours a day. Name me ANY retail store that pays it's stockers and cashiers a living wage. When I was a kid I worked at a Ma and Pa store and the wages sucked. At least Wal-Mart gives job security. The difference in the pay for a Target store and a Wal-Mart store isn't enough to make a difference. Oh, and don't you think a Target or Kmart store puts the Ma and Pa stores out of business?

But there is now. Sad.

How do you figure? There isn't any job that is beneath me then or now. What part of that don't you understand?

Edited January 29, 2008 by GaryC

[rebeccajo 14]

I agree it's sad to see WalMart closing up smaller businesses.

But I doubt the workers are worse off for it. One might prefer to patronize Maw and Paw, but it's really doubtful they are treating their employees any better than Walmart does. Maw and Paw might pay a comparable wage to WalMart but I'd bet my eye teeth they aren't providing any health insurance or retirement (something WalMart does).

When I can, I patronize local businesses. But you can't assume they are 'better' employers than a corporate giant.

[Sister Fracas 5]

You don't always spend more at Maw and Paw. It's a shame that it's the Walmarts that are putting the Maws and Paws out of business. I'd much rather support a local neighborhood store, restaurant, etc than some big chain.

I love my area (Queens NY) because most of the stores around me are Ma and Pa, mostly run by immigrants.

There is a neighborhood a couple of blocks from us that offers a Middle Eastern deli/bakery, Italian bakery, Swedish delis, an Indian shop, Mexican grocery store, Sushi, Jewish & Turkish restaurants, ...and it's all in a two block stretch. I love shopping there!

[AnewKINDofFEELIN 0]

I agree it's sad to see WalMart closing up smaller businesses.

But I doubt the workers are worse off for it. One might prefer to patronize Maw and Paw, but it's really doubtful they are treating their employees any better than Walmart does. Maw and Paw might pay a comparable wage to WalMart but I'd bet my eye teeth they aren't providing any health insurance or retirement (something WalMart does).

When I can, I patronize local businesses. But you can't assume they are 'better' employers than a corporate giant.

Wal-mart tries like hell not to provide healthcare or retirement benefits by forcing people to work less than full-time.

[rebeccajo 14]

You don't always spend more at Maw and Paw. It's a shame that it's the Walmarts that are putting the Maws and Paws out of business. I'd much rather support a local neighborhood store, restaurant, etc than some big chain.

I love my area (Queens NY) because most of the stores around me are Ma and Pa, mostly run by immigrants.

There is a neighborhood a couple of blocks from us that offers a Middle Eastern deli/bakery, Italian bakery, Swedish delis, an Indian shop, Mexican grocery store, Sushi, Jewish & Turkish restaurants, ...and it's all in a two block stretch. I love shopping there!

In 'middle America' we usually have a WalMart, Target, or KMart, but not those wonderful shops you describe. Whenever I travel and find such places, I feel like I'm in retail heaven.

[no name 1]

How do you figure? There isn't any job that is beneath me then or now. What part of that don't you understand?

Only a looser would try. Wal-Mart, like a fast food joint, is an entry level job.

[LaL 418]

I guess I am not following. One one hand people who try to support their families on a "walmart" wage are losers, and on the other hand, no job is beneath you (then or now)? I don't mean to pick this apart, but this really struck a nerve with me and the convo seems to have flip-flopped.

[AnewKINDofFEELIN 0]

In 'middle America' we usually have a WalMart, Target, or KMart, but not those wonderful shops you describe. Whenever I travel and find such places, I feel like I'm in retail heaven.

That's one of my favorite parts of Vancouver. Lindsay lived in this little suburb named Port Moody and there were shops everywhere. It was really nice. No Wal-mart in the town, which was also nice.

Lindsay is always amazed at the number of Wal-marts there are here.

[no name 1]

I guess I am not following. One one hand people who try to support their families on a "walmart" wage are losers, and on the other hand, no job is beneath you (then or now)? I don't mean to pick this apart, but this really struck a nerve with me and the convo seems to have flip-flopped.

[GaryC 7]

I agree it's sad to see WalMart closing up smaller businesses.

But I doubt the workers are worse off for it. One might prefer to patronize Maw and Paw, but it's really doubtful they are treating their employees any better than Walmart does. Maw and Paw might pay a comparable wage to WalMart but I'd bet my eye teeth they aren't providing any health insurance or retirement (something WalMart does).

When I can, I patronize local businesses. But you can't assume they are 'better' employers than a corporate giant.

Thank you. I just don't understand the abject hatred Wal-Mart congers up. It's like they don't like successful business's so they demonise them. The truth is working at Wal-Mart is no different than working at Kmart, Target or you local store. The pay is the same. My loser comment was to address the idea that you can support a family on ANY entry level job. If a Wal-Mart job is your primary means of support then it is irresponsible to try to support a family on that. To someone that had a sudden change in circumstances and finds themselves in a position that Wal-Mart is their prime source of income then the low wages are an incentive to better yourself and move up.

[GaryC 7]

I guess I am not following. One one hand people who try to support their families on a "walmart" wage are losers, and on the other hand, no job is beneath you (then or now)? I don't mean to pick this apart, but this really struck a nerve with me and the convo seems to have flip-flopped.

If I were a single man with no job skills I would be a loser if I got married, had kids and then tried to support them on a stock-boy salary. It's unfair to the kids.

[no name 1]

I agree it's sad to see WalMart closing up smaller businesses.

But I doubt the workers are worse off for it. One might prefer to patronize Maw and Paw, but it's really doubtful they are treating their employees any better than Walmart does. Maw and Paw might pay a comparable wage to WalMart but I'd bet my eye teeth they aren't providing any health insurance or retirement (something WalMart does).

When I can, I patronize local businesses. But you can't assume they are 'better' employers than a corporate giant.

Thank you. I just don't understand the abject hatred Wal-Mart congers up. It's like they don't like successful business's so they demonise them. The truth is working at Wal-Mart is no different than working at Kmart, Target or you local store. The pay is the same. My loser comment was to address the idea that you can support a family on ANY entry level job. If a Wal-Mart job is your primary means of support then it is irresponsible to try to support a family on that. To someone that had a sudden change in circumstances and finds themselves in a position that Wal-Mart is their prime source of income then the low wages are an incentive to better yourself and move up.

Newsflash: Retail stores/food service need assistant managers/managers/regionals/corporates as well.