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This article explores common myths surrounding Walmart, revealing the stark realities behind claims of job creation, low prices, and employee benefits. Research shows that for every two jobs Walmart creates, three are lost in the community as sales shift from local businesses. Contrary to the perception of always low prices, actual surveys reveal that Walmart isn't consistently the cheapest. Additionally, the health benefits offered to Walmart employees often fall short, with many not covered adequately, shifting costs to taxpayers. Unravel the truth about Walmart's impact on communities and the economy.
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Walmart: Myth vs Reality Mike Peters Matt Clifford Lindsay Clark Stephanie Fox Nick Ingram Sandy Conway Source: www.anti-walmart.com & www.hel-mart.com
Myth:Wal-Mart creates "hundreds" of new jobs for communities. • Fact: Studies show that for every two jobs created by a Wal-Mart store, the community loses three. Jobs that are retained by a community are merely shifted from local businesses to the giant retailer. Any job gains at big-box stores causes loss of jobs due to reduced business at competing retailers. These so-called new jobs "provide significantly lower wages then jobs in many industries, and are often only part-time positions, seasonal opportunities, or subject to extensive turnover." The Real Story is that when Wal-Mart moves into the neighborhood, it devours local businesses and lowers community living standards.
Myth:Wal-Mart has "always low prices, always." • Fact: The local newspaper in Carroll County, Arkansas conducted a test of Wal-Mart's low price claim. Surveying a list of 19 common household items at six Wal-Mart stores over a one month period, the newspaper staff found that Wal-Mart was cheapest on only two of the items . The Real Story is the high cost of Wal-Mart's prices: lower wages, more imports, lost U.S. jobs, lower community living standards.
Myth: Wal-Mart's workers receive good health benefits. • Fact: Wal-Mart's Health Coverage Leaves Most Workers Uncovered. Wal-Mart workers pay insurance premiums that cover close to half of Wal-Mart's health plan expenses. The Real Story is that Wal-Mart freely acknowledges shifting its health care costs to taxpayers and responsible employers. Wal-Mart is the biggest beneficiary of its health plan because the company shifts $1 billion in health care costs to the government and responsible employers.
Myth: Wal-Mart "Buys American" and Wal-Mart "Brings it Home to the USA." • Two 1998 studies that surveyed clothing on Wal-Mart store racks and shelves found 80% and sometimes more than 90% of the apparel items were produced overseas, many in countries where sweatshops and child labor are prevalent. For all its public nationalism, Wal-mart is reinvesting its all-American dollars overseas."
