I'm going to trynot to go off of the deep end, but, there are some half truths being posted about Wal-Marts employment practices that just really tick me off! First of all, I retired from the City of Muscatine, with 30+ years of service. We have been unionized since about 1980 by the Teamsters Local 238. When I retired, the union had NO provisions for retirees, like covering a part of the $1032/month to maintain Blue Bross/Blue Shield health insurance (higher now, in 2008). My health insurance (Blue Cross/Blue Shield), through Wal-Mart, costs me less than $75/month, for the same coverage! Why, BECAUSE they are the nations' largest employeer, and, can negotiate those kinds of insurance plans. Do I EVER work off of the clock? Better not, unless I want to get coached and/or fired! Do they pay a living wage? Well, I don't know about anybody else, but, they do ME! Now I get my retirement check, and my Wal-Mart check, support a step-daughter and 2 of my grand daughters (her kids). Before retirement, same conditions at home, I was working my full-time job, plus 2 part-time jobs just to make ends meet (due to the step-daughter refusing to support herself, and/or her 2 kids). Oh, and, I'm driving a new car. Gave my car to the grand-daughter (just turned 16). I like working there. Associates, especially Management, treat me with respect, actually say thank you, never happened with my previous boss. I've gotten yearly raises, higher amounts than I evergot from my union job. There are VERY few Ma & Pa stores left. You CAN blame it on Wal-Mart, but, how about Hy-Vee, Menards, WFO, Lowes, Best Buy, Staples, etc.? Aren't they also in the same category as Wal-Mart? Does Hy-Vee buy just local vender food items, I think not! Sam Walton was a genius, I just wish that I had half of his smarts. Sam Walton even came up to Aledo, Illinois for the grand opening of that store. Small town, small store, but, he thought enough of his new associates to come and pay them a visit. Wal-Mart alwaysgives the associate the benefit of the doubt, even when they shouldn't! I've worked for a lot worse employers in my time, and Wal-Mart isn't one of them! But then, I actually show up for work on time, do what I'm supposed to do, try to treat customers like I truely want them there (because I REALLY do). You've got to have a knack for the retail industry, if you do, it's a GREAT place to work! The job opportunities are endless, and, a great opportunity for a young person to start out his career. And, Thank you for shopping you Muscatine Wal-Mart Super Center. Tom.
Careful Tom..... Some might think you're me. 
