Wal-Mart

Earlier this week the Supreme Court turned down a class action suit by female Wal-Mart employees.  The decision was based on the finding that the women suing did not actually constitute a single “class.”  The majority ruled that Wal-Mart did not have a national policy of discriminating against females, and while individual stores or regions might be sued, there was no national Wal-Mart corporate standard to discriminate against women.

I would have ruled otherwise.  Wal-Mart managers are mostly male; Wal-Mart workers are mostly female.  If the national corporate culture at Wal-Mart emphasized the importance of female workers, they would be treated better and promoted more often.

Some shoppers at Wal-Mart were interviewed by a New York Times reporter after the decision.  The replies were along the lines of “I know Wal-Mart is a terrible employer, but  they have such great bargains.”  Of course they do--no unions, workers treated like peons, an abysmal health care plan, automatic dismissal of anyone who complains.

Folks, remember that you are not required to shop at Wal-Mart.  You might pay more at another store, but you will rest easier that night.  I am 68 years old and have never bought anything at a Wal-Mart store. Ever.  If that is the only place you can buy a product, you really don’t need it.