I'd Give My Left Arm

The North Country needs jobs. A Walmart will bring jobs, but at what cost?

The retailer is one of the country’s most egregious offenders of workers rights. It is facing 38 lawsuits filed by workers in 30 states accusing the company of forcing them to work long hours off the clock. Additionally, a class action lawsuit was recently filed charging that the company discriminates against its female employees in promotions, compensation and job assignments. Finally, most positions at Walmart stores are part-time and lack health benefits.

Guaranteed low prices will benefit local consumers, but could have unfortunate impacts on local retailers. The newer supercenter stores usually include a grocery, pharmacy, photo-shop, and even a garage. It is doubtful that existing local merchants will be able to compete with the world’s largest importer of Chinese goods. It is highly likely that some long-time local businesses will be closing their doors soon after the arrival of Walmart.

Should our town rely on a global retailer with a history of bullying local governments to be the primary source of jobs in the county? Picture this scenario: Five years from now Walmart has become the prime employer in town, demands property tax breaks that the town can’t afford, and having no loyalty to the area closes shop when the tax breaks aren’t passed, lots of people are out of work and local businesses have gone under. It could happen.

These are things that should be considered before bending over backwards to accommodate Walmart or,Mister Mayor, offering up your left arm to get a Walmat. Local governments should extract promises of fair wages, decent benefits, locked-in property tax rates and a commitment to remain in the area. The fate of local merchants should also be kept in mind.