Wal-Mart - A Social Justice Issue

Today on public television I watched a documentary about Wal-Mart. It was quite eye- opening. I have read in the newspapers over the years about the lawsuits against Wal-Mart for various things. I decided a long time ago not to shop at Wal-Mart for justice reasons, for what I’ve heard about how they treat their employees, low wages, no/or very expensive health care, etc. This documentary just affirmed more what I’ve heard, and after today, I made the right decision about not shopping there. They interviewed past employees who told how it really is to be a “Wal-Mart Associate”. They told of the intimidation they get from their managers. There are more employees on welfare at these stores because of poor pay, the managers are actually told to inform their employees of what government services are out there for them. They interviewed Chinese workers in Wal-Mart factories that work day and night for little wages. The documentary showed the real truth behind those “Wal-Mart” ads on TV that try to make them look good. The corporation is facing lawsuits in 31 states over discrimination of women, over wages not being paid for overtime (being forced to work off the clock), and for hiring illegal immigrants. It also told of the state subsidies that the corporation receives from states and cities, that takes away from their schools and small businesses. The small businesses in these communities don’t receive subsidies, they are driven out of business, downtowns become empty.

Wal-Mart does everything they can do to keep unions out. 240 billion in sales, but no livable wage and health care for their employees. This is a social justice issue!

Yep, you won’t see me at the Wal-Mart in our area anytime soon!

After the documentary, it told about a documentary film that came out in November 2005, (I had never heard of it) called “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price”. A film sensation that's changing the largest company on earth. The film features the deeply personal stories and everyday lives of families and communities struggling to survive in a Wal-Mart world. It's an emotional journey that will challenge the way you think, feel... and shop. (I’m wondering if it’s what I had just seen.) They gave the website: www.walmartmovie.com to refer to.

They said on the web site that it was released simultaneously in theaters and DVD in November 2005, the film has been seen by millions worldwide. Families, churches, schools, and small busineses owners have screened the film over 10,000 times and the world is taking notice. See the film, share it, and become part of the movement forcing companies to act responsibly.