Sally--

OK, Sally--no more sarcasm with you. You have established that you are a sincere woman, not a (probably male--most are, I suspect) troll. If you're a troll, you're an excellent one--fooled me good. As I'm sure you know, on the Net you never can tell and trolls are everywhere, including on Mudcat.

However, still waiting for any objective evidence from you (as Kat and Mick have pointed out, anecdotal evidence is not adequate.) RE: Walmart CEO's statement in a speech--it's actually quite safe for him, since nobody can contradict him--Walmart does not in fact give out wage rates, since, as the Journal article noted, they vary by location. (I also suspect Walmart just does not want to publicize them, but I have no proof).

I'm not surprised that a Walmart district manager is positive on Walmart (but, as Shania Twain said, "That don't impress me much"). In contrast to lower-level employees, I'm sure he is paid very well--I'd guess about $80,000 to $100,000. Ask him that.

Again, his answer does not reflect reality for lower-level people.

It's somewhat amazing to me that somebody who makes less than $10/ hr., as some do, would be called an "associate". This sounds like a salve to compensate for rock-bottom wages. But you can't eat a gobbledegook title (sorry-- sarcasm creeping back in.)

A great illustration of the welfare aspect is the Maryland bill. Since Medicaid is the program for the indigent, obviously Walmart's health insurance program is not adequate, so Maryland winds up footing the bill for poor Walmart "associates". The legislature wants Walmart to carry its own weight--by either devoting 8% of payroll in the state to health concerns or putting the difference in the Maryland state Medicaid program.

Also, my understanding is that poverty level is about $18,000/ yr. for a family of 4. At $10/ hr, I calculate that a worker would make about $19,200 / yr.--just above poverty level. But, as you point out, $10 /hr. is just an average--some are below. And, if you read the Post article linked by Kat, you find out that some full-time Walmart "associates" are limited to 28 hours per week--they would definitely be below poverty level, hence candidates for welfare----- (I'm sure Canada is not the only place they cut back hours below 40 per week.)



Oh yes, the web site. Mudcat is actually a folk-music oriented site (probably the best in the world), but it's separated into music-related topics and BS. Here, in the BS section (below the line) we discuss anything----and I do mean anything--take a gander at some of the other topics.

You're more than welcome to join us in music or non-music topics here in the "Cathouse"--and it's ferociously addictive. As you can tell, we have quite a cast of characters.

You can get a mind-boggling amount of information on music here--and from all over the world.

Wilkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome!