Wal-Mart Should Set the Standard, Not Cap Wages, Says DeLauro

Wal-Mart Should Set the Standard, Not Cap Wages, Says DeLauro

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today issued the following statement after learning of Wal-Mart's announcement to cap wages, use more part-time workers, and schedule workers on nights and weekends.

"As the nation's largest private employer, Wal-Mart sets the standard for other retailers. To that end, we have seen some good policies come from Wal-Mart. Recently, the company announced it would cut the cost of commonly prescribed generic drugs to $4 for a 30-day supply. Yet at a time when wages have been stagnant for five years, when in the past six years health care premiums have jumped 87% while workers' earnings have gone up 20% and general inflation rose 18%, Wal-Mart workers should not have to face capped wages and increased work schedules - making them ineligible to receive health care benefits.

"Today's announcement proves what I have said repeatedly: that there is a difference between Wal-Mart the retailer and Wal-Mart the employer. This move shows Wal-Mart the employer at its worse and at a time when we need the nation's largest employer to set the standard and lead the way for other corporations."

DeLauro's comments refer to a recent survey on healthcare conducted by Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust.

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2006/October/Walmart_Wages_10_2_06.html