Wal-Mart's Ad Campaign...what do you think?

[Lady's Human]

Of course you do. You were part of the management.

[Cataholic]

One case of a union that is still needed? The US Post office. The supervision and management is inept, and that's being kind. Contrary to what BM wrote, the USPS DOES award jobs by skill. They are awarded in most cases by senior qualified, not just seniority. Having had to go to the union more than once to correct inept supervision, I shudder to think what the work environment would be like without the union.

I don't know anything about the PO specifically, so, this isn't directed exactly at that issue. BUT, inept supervision is hardly foreign to non-union work places. AND, those workplaces still manage to carry on. I don't think a union is necessary to correct inept supervision. And, I do know some union places around here, and, from an outsider's glance, I think some of these people have jobs ONLY cause of the union protection afforded them, not cause they are stellar employees.

I have never been union. But, I have been blessed by the many achievements brought about by unionization- health care, fair pay, working conditions, labor laws in general. To that, I think I have only the union to thank.

[Cataholic]

Of course you do. You were part of the management.

LH- I changed what I originally posted...but, that sounds kind of harsh to me. Did you mean it like that?

[Randi]

I don't know Walmart personally, but in Denmark we have similar stores. People working there are probably the ones paid the lowest wages (about $16 an hour), except for cleaners. However, most people here are members of Unions and I'm happy for that. When I was very young and started to work, I couldn't see the point of having to pay an amount every month to the Union, but I soon saw the benefits of the negotiation they did to fight for your rights.

[Logan]

This doesn't have anything to do with the original post (sorry), but I am curious about this statement:

And I'm getting a master's degree because a BA in psychology just doesn't cut it so I have to take on more debt.

What line of work did you hope to enter with this particular major? I think that is one of the big questions that every college student needs to consider before entering college and declaring a major. Some majors are simply not going to be in areas where there is a lot of job demand.

I am not pointing fingers, I promise, but I was just curious. I majored in Textile Management. That was a silly thing to do because after one year as a management trainee in a textile mill, I was laid off. There was no where for us to go. They laid off every person who had entered the training program when I did. I had to take a minimum wage job in a bank and work my way up in order to survive. My degree helped, but it certainly was not a ticket for me for an easy ride.

Logan

[cassiesmom]

I think Sam Walton's intention was originally good, but his plan has not been as successful as he probably envisioned.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

After reading your post, I realized I may have come off sounding elitist. I didn't mean to. For clarification, I want to re-iterate that I heard this thought process on talk radio, and it wasn't something I had considered before. However, it did sit well with me.

I know, I just think that they didn't consider the cost of an education. In my four years in school, the tuition DOUBLED! It's really becoming unaffordable.

What line of work did you hope to enter with this particular major? I think that is one of the big questions that every college student needs to consider before entering college and declaring a major. Some majors are simply not going to be in areas where there is a lot of job demand.

Well, perhaps with a little more wisdom than the average 18-year-old has, I could have decided upon a more marketable major, but that's the beauty of hindsight I guess.

You hear over and over "do what you love," not "do what will get you a starting salary over $30,000/year." I actually originally went into biological anthropology but decided it would be too unmarketable and changed it to psychology, which I also enjoy. I had planned (and still want to, though perhaps in a different field) to eventually be a professor and I applied to graduate school in the field of experimental psychology after taking a year off. But, it wasn't in the cards so to speak, so I decided to pursue something that would get me a job. I love education so teaching elementary school is something I will enjoy. I just have another obstacle I guess- I don't mind the course work but the cost is something I think about. I just wish that education was more attainable for everyone.

[Cataholic]

I
You hear over and over "do what you love," not "do what will get you a starting salary over $30,000/year."

You are absolutely right. I think that sort of comment, instead of, something more real would serve our young people better. I stress to people to get a degree in something basic. Something that shows employers you are teachable, not necessarily their current dream/passion of underwater basketweaving, with an emphasis in blue twine. That can be limiting. (Not that a BS in psych is limiting).

There are things you could do with a 4 year BS in psych. Not necessarily 'practice' psychology, but, my brother has a BS in psychology, and he in in HR. I think it served him well. I think you are, rightfully so, a little down about your future. I wouldn't throw in the towel yet. But, I can sense your frustration.

[Lady's Human]

Yes, I meant exactly what I said.

After seeing some of the games played by management in the PO, I would hate to see what it would be like without the union actually trying to hold them to the contract. To most postal managers, FLSA, FMLA, and HIPPA are annoying acronyms that get in the way.

There are enough national-level grievances pending arbitration with just ONE of the three postal craft unions to tie up a labor arbitration court for years. While there ARE frivolous grievances filed by the unions, the ones that reach national level are normally legit complaints.

[Marigold2]

I have just finished reading everyones post. Many many good points made. Walmart does employ people who otherwise would not have a job. They offer products at a reasonable price. They offer healthcare. How Walmart operates is Capitalism at it's greatest. It is one of the things that make this country great. If you feel that Walmart doesn't pay people enough, don't work there. Get an education either through school or work expericence and go somewhere else. If you don't like Walmart, don't shop there. I personally think most of their stuff is low quailty, I perfer K-Mart or Target. As far as a union, look what the union did for Ford and the other auto makers. It made people greedy. It paid and paid and paid people wages that were far too high, making their cars too expensive. Yes factory workers work hard, but they shouldn't be making $25.00 an hour. They should not be paid more then police, firemen, or teachers. Education should still count for something. When the Ford workers were laid off in the 80's many of them couldn't read or write past an 8th grade level, yet they were making $50.000 a year. There was no way they could find a job anywhere that paid them as much. Many lost their homes. Some couldn't even fill out a job application, they had no skills. They didn't care about school because hey they were gonna work at Ford and make big bucks, who needs schooling? It was a rude awakening. Factory work should not be a lifetime employment. It should be short term until once gathers skills. Be it as a plumber, carpenter, cook. At least one is trained, one has a skill. And most important people need to be educated. Education is the key.

[BC_MoM]

If you feel that Walmart doesn't pay people enough, don't work there. Get an education either through school or work expericence and go somewhere else. If you don't like Walmart, don't shop there.

Hehe! I agree.. people complain all the time.. if they're not happy with it, then don't go to it!!

[borzoimom]

GM recently closed a series of plants, including the one near by in West Virginia. Those employees made over 30-35 dollars a hour- now unless they had the time to retire- they were given the option to move to another plant- but who wants to relocated their family into another state- and the ones without time in to retire- well.. They are looking for other jobs. .. And I guarrentee you there isnt another factory that could support such a salary around here.. The reason- it wasnt cost effective to GM to keep the plant opened.

[Marigold2]

It is a shame that people are losing their jobs. But being paid $30.00 to $35.00 an hour is way too much for their skill level. If they hadn't been so greedy the plant might not have to close. I wish them all well. Hopefully the American people are learning a very hard lesson.

[Maresche]

Personally, I don't like Walmart for a lot of reasons. I don't set foot in their stores unless 1) I'm redeeming one of their GC I got as a gift or 2) I'm buying a GC to give to someone else. Several members of my family like shopping there and my brother works there in the auto dept.

If you like shopping there, continue. If you don't, don't. If the Cons of Walmart outnumber the Pros, it will, eventually, go under.

[borzoimom]

"The complete Knit-wit and occasional domestic diva."...
I am rolling on the floor- this reminds me of Zubin and then galina.. lol..