betsy

Yes please explain the various features. Lessons please.

WalMart had to pull out of two countries I think (South Korea and Germany) - and if I'm not mistaken, would you believe - because of stiff competiton! WakeupWalmart.com I think is Union-backed. Students had always had the penchant for leaning towards socialism and communism! What youth doesn't have an "ideal" world?

Years ago, I remember Sears offering services that a lot of small businesses operate such as carpet-installing, vent cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning and I thought about those that will get wiped out. Then Independent Stores start offering ready-to-eat food take-home, per slice pizzas, bbq chicken etc..., and I thought of all those little independently owned little restaurants and pizza outlets that not only had to contend with the cost of marketing and promotion to compete with giants like Pizza Pizza, Pizza Hut etc.., but now even had to compete with grocery stores for every nickle and dime....and all these big places have the clout and buying power! Wal-Mart is not the only one doing these and yet it is being singled out. Just like McDonald's was and is still being singled out when it comes to fastfoods. Btw, most of the detractors of WalMart are Union-backed groups. Wouldn't you think that the biggest job-killer in Canada is the Union? Not only do companies close down and move elsewhere - it also makes other companies think thrice before opening up here when we have to compete with other places like China, Mexico etc.., Hershey moved out of Ontario. The employees protested - like as if protesting will stop any companies from closing down! Whether we like it or not, reality is we have all these other countries to compete with! The only way we can truly compete right now is through quality imho. We won't be able to change the cultures of other nations....we can't even get China to respect human rights or Mexico to stop their corruptive way of life, any more than really expect them to truly crack down on sweatshops that are feeding poor families! I've worked at the Hospital and I tell you I feel for employers who has to tangle with the Union and practically at the mercy of their employees! While it is good to have protection....some of the demands and agreements of the Union stifle the business! Who wants to invest millions of dollars with no worthwhile profits??? Who are we to dictate how much profit a company makes? We have labour laws in place. That's all we need! The government just have to make sure these labour laws and practices are fair - protecting BOTH employees AND employers - and ensure that they are strictly enforced! Socialist mentalities and attitudes being nurtured by the NDP and other communist-leaning idealogies need to change and adapt to the present times. Our competition (other countries) are gungho and ruthless as well in trying to get these companies to set up in their own backyards. What are we going to do about it. That's what we should be thinking about.

But how do you explain the fact that Wal-Mart had been voted as one of the top 50 Best Employers in Canada for several consecutive years?

For those of you who are tryng to avoid products made in China, good luck. The last time I look, a lot of President's Choices and No Name products are made in China....not to mention stuffs from Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Giant Tiger....even some fancy specialty boutiques and stores that sell high-end products. I hope you say that honestly enough and never set foot in any dollar stores! Despite the heavy pressures from your kids! Besides, even products that say Made In America can easily have China involved with it, one way or another! Do you know where those nuts and bolts they used came from? The fabric? The thread? For those of you who believe lowered prices kill small businesses, tough luck. That's the trend! Stores that compete with your local yard sales! Everyone seems guilty of that these days - bargain, give-away prices. Every year, several non-profit fundraisers sell all this perrenial plants for hardly anything - which should put our small, locally-owned garden center soon! Then there are the dinners and lunches being served by your local Legion, and churches, and other small fundraising groups. That should make some struggling restaurants and eateries groaning. Uhhh....btw, how did this dollar craze ever got started??? For those of you who thinks all cheap prices are poor in quality, don't delude yourselves that high prices always mean good quality. That's Martha Stewart's start-up concept that made her rich - raising the prices of her cookies at a bake sale - and people believed they tasted so great. A good set of cookery items I got for cheap at a tv infomercial was up there with an expensive counterpart, beating all other expensive brands in America's Test Kitchen gadget-testing segments. Sweatshops? You might be surprised that even without ever setting foot in Walmart, you're still greatly involved in supporting and keeping those sweatshops all over the world. And Starbucks-afficionados and all you coffee drinkers, if you're into this frame of mind, you should start weaning yourselves from coffee. It's now being called the "black gold"....and lots of poor planters they say, getting short-changed, doing all the heavy toil and long hours of work - for peanuts. Another sweatshop - outdoor sweating, that is.

Our community has only 10,000 population. And the small businesses here has been struggling and dying for years. The local mall always has two or three spots vacant - and the most recent "for leased" sign has been up for more than 2 years! The downtown area suffers the same fate. The Business Association had tried all sorts of promotions to get people to walk down the street and buy. Sure, the festivities they throw in once or twice a year draw some crowd....but realistically, what good does that do? We tried to support some of the local businesses - but in the end, we had to acknowledge that some simply do not have any clue how to treat customers. A lot of people were having a hard time to find full-time jobs in the community, and the price of gas made it tougher to commute 20 minutes or more to work out of town...so they start leaving. That's how usually towns start dying. Then Wal-Mart and the rest of the gang (big boxes) had decided to come to town. The excitement of job opportunities is in the air! More houses being built in anticipation of the growing place. Real estate is robust! And hope for the struggling small businesses is there. You know why? People from neighboring smaller towns all around us would be coming here in our community instead of going to the nearest big city where there is a Wal-Mart and other big box stores to shop! More people! More traffic! Of course not all still-existing and struggling small busineses will survive this....but those who have the creativity to exploit this opportunity will do well! Btw, small businesses were being slowly pushed out long time ago! It didn't start with Wal-Mart!

Don't get me wrong, guys. I do respect your decisions for not wanting to shop at Wal-Mart, or hating Wal-Mart (for whatever personal reasons you may have)...and hopefully it is not largely due to the influence of some smear campaigns that seem to viciously focus on whatever company is being targetted.

Well, from what I gather from your response above, according to Williams, it did indicate that Wal-Mart had made some changes: "She said that Wal-Mart has revised its lock-in procedure to make sure that there a night manager with a key to open the doors in the case of an overnight emergency." If I'm not mistaken, I think the word "revised" means making some changes? BOOMERANG! So, who fails to read - AND understand their own link? Right there, as you said, "straight from the horse's mouth..." And a very big mouth I might add. Say again? Well, yes you're talking about Wal-Mart America - which I believe (if I'm not mistaken) is the MOTHER company of ALL Wal-Marts around the world - including Canada? I would assume that the top honchos for every Wal-Mart in every foreign country is given some lee-way to adapt their operations to that of the country's population and governmental policies. Still, being in top 50 of the best employers must definitely mean something. It's not to be taken lightly.

And just so to prove to you that I'm not just making it all up, nor am I being ignorant of what I spout about: 50 Best Employers in Canada From Friday's Globe and Mail December 20, 2005 at 2:00 AM EDT For the past four years, BC Biomedical Laboratories has topped our list of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. But in 2006, we crown not one but two new champions. Among medium-sized companies (300 to 1,499 employees), the Winnipeg-based financial services firm Wellington West Capital took the top honour; Cintas Canada, meanwhile, ranked first among larger companies (1,500 employees or more). This is the first year we've separated companies by size, a format that should allow readers to better compare firms. As always, those that make up our Top 50 this year are a diverse group, ranging from car rental companies like Enterprise to retailers like Wal-Mart, a multinational often portrayed as a foe of labour rather than a friend. In "What can we learn from Wal-Mart..." (next page), writer Steve Brearton explores why employees gave the nod to the store Sam Walton built, as well as to a couple of other firms that occupy less-than glamorous positions in the corporate pecking order—including our co-winner, Cintas. On the following pages, we chart the Top 50 and put a human face on all the numbers, with some key lessons delivered by employees themselves. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto...ialROBmagazine/ Here are the testimonials and opinions of the employees of those companies who made it to top 50: BEST LEADERSHIP Every employee has a role in making the organization successful—and each one knows what that role is. What's more, company leaders provide all employees with opportunities to practise their leadership skills. In practice All levels of leadership understand where the organization is headed—and what it will take to get there Leaders display passion and enthusiasm for the future They build trust by making commitments and consistently delivering on them Leaders roll up their sleeves and work alongside employees to get the job done They spend most of their time and energy coaching employees They listen to what the front-line employees are saying and act quickly to fix problems They forge personal connections with employees In the employees' words "Our leaders are in the trenches, and they don't see themselves as part of a hierarchy; they make sure we understand the decisions and that we buy into them" "The leaders want us to hold them accountable" "If we're not doing what management needs us to be doing, they will come right out and tell us—and help us get where we need to be" "What I love the most is the motivation that comes from the general manager" COACHING FOR SUCCESSCareer growth and development is not just about being promoted; it needs to be an organic process whereby employees are encouraged to integrate change and grow, regardless of their position or role within the organization. Broad career development and advancement ensures an organization's future growth and success. In practice Leaders continuously talk about the importance of growth and development. They ensure the appropriate resources are in place to support career development Leaders and managers are truly excited at the prospect of grooming their successors and helping employees reach their career goals The most qualified people inside the company are promoted. People are hired based on their potential Managers are properly equipped and trained to coach employees. Discussions about career development are ongoing Leaders and managers actively work to remove barriers to career development and advancement In the employees' words "They pull out your great potential" "I'm a woman who wants a career and a family, and I was concerned this might jeopardize my career. But I don't worry about that here; the managers know my goals, and we worked out a game plan together" "There's an openness to learning here—a push to learn" A RECOGNITION CULTURE People feel emotionally connected to the organization because their personal contributions are recognized by managers and leaders alike. Moreover, the ways in which employees are recognized are tailored to the individual. In practice Leaders and managers are always looking for ways in which employees can be recognized for their achievements—something that is especially important for those people who are new to the organization Extra work rarely goes unnoticed Recognition is delivered with an expression of sincere appreciation Employees' family members are recognized when appropriate In the employees' words "We had a challenge to meet a specific goal. When we exceeded that goal, the executive team had to wash our cars and we were invited to the CEO's house for dinner" "Someone always gives us recognition when we do something extra. They expect us to do overtime, but they also appreciate it and thank us. A little 'thank you' goes a long way" "Some individuals are uncomfortable with public recognition, so we're very cautious about who we recognize publicly. Sometimes we just send a handwritten note" "People here take their cue from senior management, who have been publicly appreciating people for years"

Take note of the date on that article: Jan 2004! I'd find it hard to believe that at the present time, that practice is still going on. Sure there were problems such as those....but was it being practiced in all Wal-Mart stores? As far as I know, usually in every stores that do hire managers....it is the manager that's left with most of decision-making. That's what they're hired for. Now, that being said....it does not necessarily guarantee that all managers are perfect - heck, some managers are not even fit to manage at all! But of course some will say, the responsibility rests on the owners/top honchos. Perhaps Wal-Mart honchos are recognizing the problems....that's why the top honcho of Wal-Mart Canada had devised a program called "Tell Mario," a way to directly communicate with employees how to improve their conditions. Wal-Mart Canada had been voted as among the "top 50 Best Employers of The Year" in Canada - apparently for 6 consecutive years, if I'm not mistaken! So it is hard to believe a lot of these "horror" stories to be true. Unless it means that Canada's standards are sooooo low that an "evil Wal-Mart" made it as one of the best places to work for!

As to labour practices, I found a forum (debate between pro-WalMart and pro-Union). From what I hear from those who are actually working for WalMart, the conditions are actually good! The starting pay is a little bit more than minimum wage. Average for cashiers is at $9.00 per hour. Full-timers get benefits. And they say promotion comes fast. And that there are a lot of ways to move up. They also offer training. A young person can go really far...or will surely benefit experience-wise and training-wise! Well that sounds a lot better than a lot of regular jobs around.

That's true. From what I know, these are actual jobs! Yes, they aren't paid like us....but you have to acknowledge that it's a different situation there from here! A lot of people there are practically working for the food they'll put on the table! Like it or not, they'll do anything to be able to feed their family! And before you guys start going on about the children working in these sweatshops, what would you rather see? A child working in a sweatshop...or working the streets as a child prostitute?

Can you explain why you think Wal-Mart is responsible for closing small businesses?

Btw, are you in on this thread as someone who wants to have a mature and serious discussion....or are you just here to throw in a casual opinion or two? You've referred to these horrible labour practices twice...and mentioned something about a boat with money. So? Why don't you explain your statement? Or perhaps you can't.

You are the one making the claim - and I'm asking you to be specific - therefore, it is for you to provide some sources that would support your claim. The responsibility to explain your argument lies on your shoulders. Not mine.

What's our government doing about that? Don't we have a government body that monitors these kind of thing? IF THERE IS SERIOUS CONCERN, the government will act on it! I remember the Chili recall only recently. Okay, I'll read it.

So, they're selling cheap stuff. Have you heard about, "you get what you pay for?" What about other people who can only afford to buy cheap stuff to stretch their budget? Dollar Stores and Discount Centres are thriving! Giant Tiger, Bi-Way etc.., So do you got problems with those kind of stores too? Are you condemning Wal-Mart just because of the complaint of a disatisfied client? As for chemical burns, if it's a health hazard I'd think our government would be right there banning those products! Why, how many people complained of that chemical burn? For all you know, that client is just naturally sensitive to some chemicals. This is what I mean about the negative remarks I'm hearing about Wal-Mart. Petty things like as if other businesses don't experience or have the same problems/malfunctions/customer-related complaints etc.., Tell me something that the Evil Wal-Mart does that no other businesses does - whether they're big or small.

So let's give credible information. Please explain about the abusive practices. Be specific.

These are pretty much generalized comment I've been hearing about - nothing specific. Which is why I opened up this topic. This could just be hearsay getting transferred from one mouth to another - until suddenly there's this urban myth called the "Evil Wal-Mart." What labour practices and abuse are you referring to? What do you mean about your first sentence about costing taxpayers and about a boat of money? Can you explain?

Why are there so many conflicting views about Wal-Mart? And the negative views usually borders on demonization. Are these detractors Union reps smarting from getting their toes inside the giant? Disgruntled employees? I hear a lot of good things about the store - how it comes to a small community and the ripple-effects of benefits that follows from their employees to their local suppliers - all translating to a hundred of jobs being created, and the community starts booming. So let's hear your opinion.

This is what I've noticed on topics relating to Muslims/Terrorists (and there's several of those topics over the months) I'm not singling you out Cybercoma, but you just displayed one of the obvious...and common form of "retreat" being used by some to detract and deflect from the issue, in a feeble attempt - usually when someone is making a strong valid point - to get him/her on the defensive: -Throwing the accusation of "broadbrushing" all Muslims, Racism. Hate for ALL Muslims. -Finding faults to a comment (usually deliberately twisting it to suit the purpose), so as it can be used to attack the poster and his views, personally. I often end up scratching my head wondering how a usually clear and understandable sets of opinions be so misconstrued or mis-interpreted to mean that. Either they have not been reading the entire message, or they have been reading BUT have comprehension problems, or this is just a cheap childish ploy that really has no place in a serious, mature discussion. I hope they do realize that it is damning to one's credibility - for the one using this kind of retreat. When you see the same names doing this numerous times - you get to remember them and their tactics - so you end up not taking them seriously and brushing them off and (you often just scroll down fast skipping their sometimes lengthy posts)....or only bother answering their posts when there's a lack of other interesting topics and you are bored so just about anyone will do.

You are the one grasping at straws! You and Buffy seem to have this same problem with inability to differentiate. Buffy couldn't differentiate between war and non-war incidents; and now you couldn't see the difference between riots that erupt in concerts or sports from ORGANIZED AND WELL-ORCHESTRATED VIOLENT STREET RIOTS AIMED TO INTIMIDATE THE WORLD. These violent cartoon riots practically happened simultaneously all over the world! A lot of anti-war or anti-globalization protests did not and do not end in violence! Whereas practically most riots done by the Muslim radicals and fanatics almost, always did end up in violence! And these violent Muslim protests happened all over the world - France, Pakistan, Middle East, Africa etc.., BTW Kuzadd, some radicals have also tried to INTIMIDATE a Muslim group in Canada , using threats of death and violence (what else?). This was mentioned in the news, however it's quite surprising that it did not receive the publicity it should have....especially when some of the threats were aimed at Muslim women. I wondered why the media seem so reluctant to expose this. It went by with hardly any ripple. It seems anything that has to do with Muslim radicals or fanatics....the media is quite reluctant to touch it. They go out of their way veering away from it - which is odd, since when does the media steer away from something news-worthy?

Read the title of the topic....and follow the flow of discussion! Dragging Christians into the discussion is quite a lame attempt at deflecting from the real issue - especially coming from Buffy and Kuzadd. But now, what's Jews got to do with this?

And here's my point, which was stated above. The calling for protest-boycott by Christians cannot be compared to that of the Muslim's call for it - in this current, present situation the world is facing, I must add. Boycott being called by the Muslim Community takes on a whole new meaning when preceded or coincided by real examples of violence and deaths, of rampaging mobs around the world vowing carnage for every "insults", all being perpetrated by Muslims! This is like saying a mob guy is negotiating with you, kindly saying, "I'm making you an offer you can't refuse", and all the while behind this mob guy you see his henchmen twisting the arm off your son. That's not "negotiation!" These boycotts do not have the added MUSCLE of carnage and violence and deaths! When the Muslim Community issued the boycott over these cartoons, people were getting hurt and getting killed all over the world over this same issue! Christian boycotted over a lot of issue, mostly films insulting our God, BUT they did not COINCIDE with the kind of violence (shown towards the cartoons)!

Virtue? Depends from whose point of view. Some would interpret that as a "cop out" or cowardice. When push comes to shove, we know who'll easily buckle...and we know who'll really deliver the goods - credible goods - the truth! The calling for protest-boycott by Christians cannot be compared to that of the Muslim's call for it - in this current, present situation the world is facing, I must add. Boycott being called by the Muslim Community takes on a whole new meaning when preceded or coincided by real examples of violence and deaths, of rampaging mobs around the world vowing carnage for every "insults", all being perpetrated by Muslims! This is like saying a mob guy is negotiating with you, kindly saying, "I'm making you an offer you can't refuse", and all the while behind this mob guy you see his henchmen twisting the arm off your son. That's not "negotiation!" In my view the Muslim Community, or any Muslim Community in any democratic or western countries around the world who raised their voice in protests against the publications of those cartoons made a grave error jumping in on the scene like that! The Muslim Community's action - for all its effort at trying to condemn the violence of radicals and loonies - came out as half-hearted or contrived. You mentioned of rising hate crimes against Muslims - I haven't heard of any in Canada or the USA - but if there are, I wouldn't be surprised. And who's attracting and inviting those hate??? Whose fault is it? There was that golden opportunity to show the world that them Muslim communities are one with their host-countries, denouncing the violence and upholding peace and unity with all the other citizens of their host-countries. As I said, some Muslim Communities handled the situation badly. At least the one in Canada did. IMHO. Remember about the nuns executed just because the Pope expressed an opinion. So we know that innocent lives are being deliberately spilled for every deemed insults uttered!