I'm a little late on this one. It was announced last week that Wal-Mart would be opening at least two stores within the Chicago City Limits. Not so fast, there are stipulations! The store must be constructed by union labor. The size of the store is limited and the workers, er...associates must be paid a certain amount above minimum wage.
A lotta people don't like Wal-Mart's reputation of putting the "little guy" out of business. I don't like them because they are not local and because some of their associates are basically unemployable. On the other hand, I think they can afford to pay their "good" people better. This is part of the problem with a "one size fits all" philosophy coming from out-of-town management. They must be doing something right. One stop shopping is probably their top attraction...with the illusion of low prices.
Getting back to Chicago. Are we in Russia? Doesn't Wal-Mart have rights? The union must build the Chicago Wal-Mart buildings? Do I smell another kickback?
Look folks, like it or not, it's a free country. Wal-Mart should be free to do business, legally, wherever the hell it wants to.
Oh and whether you get a check in the mail from Uncle Sugar, or if you actually earn a paycheck, you don't have to shop at Wal-Mart! 
