The Big Bad

I have never liked Wal-Mart. They always just struck me as too Southern, too Republican, and too Christian (basically the exact opposite of me).

Later I didn't like Wal-Mart because they "cheat". Sure they are a great company with an awesome supply chain, etc. etc. But are they good corporate citizens? Wal-Mart can run it's suppliers out of business if they don't give them the prices they want (there is precendent for this. Wal-Mart has done it before). They hire illegal workers to clean their floors. A disproportionately large number of their employees are on federally funded healthcare programs. Wal-mart likes to say that they provide goods that are affordable to everyone. But honestly the only reason we need Wal-Mart prices is because Wal-Mart pays their employees so little. They need someplace to shop. As far as I can tell Wal-Mart has done little accept hasten the downward economic spiral for America's lower class and working poor.

But now there is a New York Times article that says Wal-Mart with the assistance of McKinsey has come up with a new strategy to reduce healthcare benfits. I have a lot of respect for McKinsey and it really pains me to see that they are helping Wal-Mart scrap more money out of their already piteously low benefits package. Walmart no longer wants to hire older and "unhealthy" employees. (Is this discrimination?)Instead, they will focus on recruiting young, healthy employees. They are even changing job descriptions so that physical exertion is a must for all jobs (e.g., cashiers who are responsible for cart gathering). I hope people see this for what it is a shameless and pathetic attempt to further reduce compensation for employees. Walmart continues to "take" from society. Hopefully one day the Walton's will decide to give something back.