Statement by RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum on Wal-Mart Abandoning NYC Plans (3/28/07)

New Yorkers decided a long time ago that we do not want Wal-Mart here in New York City. When Wal-Mart opens, communities suffer.

Wal-Mart’s promise of low prices comes at too great a cost. As the largest employer in the country, Wal-Mart’s poor track record on healthcare is a renowned disgrace. Over 50 percent of Wal-Mart workers cannot afford the company healthcare plan, and their workers are encouraged to apply for publicly subsidized healthcare. Wal-Mart's lack of respect for their employees drives down standards for all retail workers. It is a race to the bottom that New York does not want to be a part of.
Wal-Mart's values are not New York's values. Wal-Mart will not be welcomed in New York until they change the way they operate. It’s about time they recognized this fact.

New York Times report: Wal-Mart Chief Writes Off New York