[Vision2020] Data about WalMart Impact in Idaho and Idaho Wages

[B. J. Swanson]

Jeff.

 

I assume you're joking when you say "I suspect their stats are probably
reliable, as the consequences of being wrong would bring swift retribution."
I doubt that Wal-Mart has any fear of retribution as evidenced by the more
than 5,000 lawsuits currently pending against them dealing with a wide
variety of unethical practices including discrimination against women,
hiring undocumented aliens and paying them less than $3/hour, wide-spread
inflated scanner settings, forcing associates to work "off the time clock,"
etc.  Obviously a few slanted facts are not a big deal to them.  The
Wal-Mart website also contains profound statements like "Wal-Mart does not
encourage our associates to apply for public assistance."  

 

Perhaps researching a little further into the numbers would reveal that the
$9.20 an hour average wage includes truck drivers.  Apparently Wal-Mart has
been unable to monopolize the trucking industry, YET.  If truck drivers are
removed from the average wages the remaining workers, including management,
average around $8.20 an hour and less than one-third qualify or can afford
health insurance.  The "living wage" in Moscow is around $10.50 an hour plus
benefits.  $10.50 an hour is the level where workers are able to "maintain."
More than that usually indicates workers are able to contribute to the
community.  Less than that and the worker needs assistance to survive.  The
relative size of Wal-Mart and its projected impact on Moscow as the second
largest employer paying less than living wage jobs is a big concern.

 

Regarding buying from Idaho vendors, a further look will reveal Wal-Mart's
usual predatory practices.  I personally know a small Northern Idaho
business who was delighted to get a contract from Wal-Mart.  But the
contract included not paying for goods for 120 days.  That means four months
without payment or interest, while having to pay workers and inventory costs
on much shorter terms.  Then, Wal-Mart wanted more and more goods until
Wal-Mart was buying 90% of the small businesses goods and still demanding
more.  Then, Wal-Mart started ratcheting down the price, and still on 120
day terms.  The small business nearly went broke before they realized
Wal-Mart was controlling them and breaking them.  Idaho is a very honest,
trusting culture.  Sometimes to our detriment.

 

There are currently around 70 jobs in Alturas Technology Park paying an
average of $24.00 an hour plus benefits.  You will find these people on many
contributor lists throughout Moscow, including Latah Trail, Kenworthy, IRP,
Prichard, etc.  Rezoning the land on the eastern boundary of Alturas for
Wal-Mart will severely restrict the ability to expand Alturas Technology
Park and continue to attract businesses that actually contribute to the
community instead of sucking it dry.

 

B. J. Swanson 

 

 

  _____  

From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]
On Behalf Of Jeff Harkins
Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2005 6:11 PM
To: vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: [Vision2020] Data about WalMart Impact in Idaho and Idaho Wages

 


Here is an excerpt from the WalMart website.  I suspect their stats are
probably reliable, as the consequences of being wrong would bring swift
retribution.

Of particular note is the average wage of $ 9.20 and the fact that WalMart
employs 6,774 people in the state.  At a wage rate of $9.20 and an assumed
work year of 2080 hours the average annual wage is $19,136.  

Here is a link to the data for wages for all occupational groups in North
Idaho.  The stats are as of May, 2005.  The stats are quite robust and
should provide you with hours of fun as you compare your current wage with
the state average.  Here is the link to the data:
http://lmi.idaho.gov/admin/uploadedPublications/3753_north_idaho.pdf .  If
you want info about education jobs, you will need to go to Appendix C of the
report.  If you have trouble finding that link, please advise and I will
provide it.
You can download the data.

Other points of interest include spending almost $185 million with Idaho
suppliers - supporting 15,934 supplier jobs.


Idaho Community Impact




Real Estate 


Wal-Mart's presence in Idaho includes: 


Stores, Clubs, Distribution Centers and other facilities (as of October2005)


Supercenters: 14
Discount Stores: 3
Neighborhood markets: 0
SAM'S CLUBS: 1
Distribution Centers: 0
Average store size (national average)  
Supercenter: 186,077 sq. ft. with approx. 116,000 items  
Discount Store: 98,079 sq. ft. with approx. 62,500 items  
Neighborhood Market: 42,286 sq. ft. with approx. 38,845 items  
SAM'S CLUB: 127,776 sq. ft. with approx. 6,000 items  


 




People




Employment Facts


*	In Idaho, the total number of Wal-Mart associates is 6,774 (as of
October 2005). 
*	The average wage for regular full-time hourly associates in Idaho is
$9.20 per hour (Wal-Mart Discount Stores, Supercenters and Neighborhood
Markets). Additionally, associates are eligible for performance-based
bonuses. 
*	In recent years, Wal-Mart has contributed four percent of an
associate's eligible pay to their combined Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan. 

 


Suppliers


*	In 2004, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. spent $184,548,727 for merchandise
and services with 335 suppliers in the state of Idaho. As a result of
Wal-Mart's relationship with these suppliers, Wal-Mart supports 15,934
supplier jobs in the state of Idaho. 
*	Supplier figures provided by Dun & Bradstreet 

 


Taxes and Fees


*	Wal-Mart collected on behalf of the state of Idaho more than $68.3
million in sales taxes in 2004 
*	Wal-Mart paid more than $9.8 million in state and local taxes in the
state of Idaho in 2004. 

 


Community Involvement


*	In 2004, Wal-Mart Stores and SAM'S CLUB gave $753,242 to local
causes and organizations in the communities they serve in the state of
Idaho.  In addition, many charities and organizations received in-kind
donations and additional funds raised through stores and CLUBS in the amount
of $219,492, for a grand total of $972,734 contributed through Wal-Mart's
presence across the state. 
*	Examples of some of the efforts in Idaho that our company made in
2004 to reach out to the community include: 

*	Safe Neighborhood Heroes Grants: $39,250 
*	Literacy Grants: $30,250 
*	Community Scholarships: $33,000 
*	Teacher of the Year Grants: $27,000 

*	Idaho's 2004 Teacher of the Year is Conrad Garner from Bonners Ferry
High School in Bonners Ferry. 

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