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You knucklehead. How did you think this city worked? From the Sun Times:
- Wal-Mart's tentative plan to build five new South Side supercenters is "almost like a payoff" to aldermen who opposed the big-box minimum wage ordinance, Chicago's most powerful labor leader said Monday.
- "Does the world think that Wal-Mart pulled these five wards out of a hat? The aldermen getting these supercenters were the most vocal in the debate against paying people a living wage," Gannon said.
No, the world doesn't think that at all. The world happens to know exactly how Chicago works. And if you want to keep involved in local political issues Mr. Gannon, you ought to learn a bit about it also. Each aldercreature is given almost complete control over what goes on in their fief. Zoning, the ever popular re-zoning, building permits, etc., all run through the aldercreature's office. And unless you play ball with them, you aren't getting anything done at all.
So it isn't "almost like a payoff." It's EXACTLY like a payoff. And you don't seem to be the one providing jobs and money to the aldercreatures. Or maybe you weren't aware of the various unions' historical roles in building the Machine? Or how various unions provide children of the well connected with high paying jobs? Or unions providing "unpaid volunteers" and "staff" for election polling places and precinct captains? Need we go on?
So it isn't "almost like a payoff." It's EXACTLY like a payoff. And you don't seem to be the one providing jobs and money to the aldercreatures. Or maybe you weren't aware of the various unions' historical roles in building the Machine? Or how various unions provide children of the well connected with high paying jobs? Or unions providing "unpaid volunteers" and "staff" for election polling places and precinct captains? Need we go on?
posted by SCC at 12:01 AM
16 Comments:
attracting business jobs and sales taxes is a good idea
Other places like food and hardware open near big boxe stores
i have no problem with it
The only reason that the Unions are mad at Wal-Mart is because they follow the law. The employess must organize.
The union has no say until the empoloyees organize.
The only reason Mr. Gannon and the unions want a living wage ordinance is so entry level employees can organize and afford Union Dues. It is the only way to keep his six figure income.
HOLY PAYOFF BATMAN
And all the while I thought that you gave me this job because you liked how I looked in these tights, not because my daddy's an alderman
I have to disagree with the payoff in part. Building a multi-million dollar building to satisify an alderperson is a little much. Wal-Mart people don't seem like dummies. I'm sure they could have accomplished the vote "turn-around" with a $20.00 bill. (That's $20.00 for each alderperson, NO SMALL THINKING HERE)
Living Wage? What a joke that is!
Working in one of these 'big-box' stores is not a job. It's a temporary position for high-school kids (and sadly) seniors who need the extra cash.
Sure, there are a handful of full-time positions with benefits and something resembling reasonable pay, but the majority of the positions are sloted for part-time help with no benefits. A part-time position is not intended to support a family.
Morons!!! How the hell do they think that these businesses can keep their prices so low?
I agree with 11:16:30 am ...
You can't run a union without dues and you can't pay dues without a sufficient wage.
Gee, I wonder who the 'real' beneficiaries of a living wage would be?????
Also agree with SCC ...
Politics and business as usual in the windy-city.
How much does walmart have to put into the pockets of "Aldertheives" check campaign cash! Hello U.S. Attorney!
Lets not forget if you pay enough to allow union dues and let everyone organize it leads to higher costs. Who does that hurt. The people shopping on Michigan Ave or the poor working slob who shops at Wal-Mart.
my alderman voted for the big box ordinance. i do not want walmart, nor the shit it would bring into my neighborhood.
yeah, great idea putting 5 walmarts in da ghettos. now walmart has to hire extra security and deal with shoplifter and robberies. id rather keep shopping in orland or skokie where it's safe to bring my family
Look at it this way it's a win, win for many of those involved.
Walmart continues to grow, the Alderthiefs get their cut and the needed vote of the lower income workers who then get hired. The workers are still able to draw their public assistance, be it link or housing vouchers and they keep the medical benefits that goes along with the program.
Walmart is about their Revenue, the Alderthiefs are about their Revenue and keeping their position of power. A number of the soon to be worker's are looking to continue in scamming the system to play their own money game. Other's not within the tax payer's Federal/State aid realm are just looking for a job close by to supplement their income or to just have an income. which is a good thing.
Which brings me to the topic of Public aid being a crutch. If used well it can be an aid to raise above the need for long term aid but that's a rarity and it has produced mass numbers of dependentes, even after the so called Welfare to work program. All that was really cut during that alleged over haul was the money portion and that's not cut out completely, just harder to obtain. With one child one can receive approximately 270.00 in food via Link card. You still need some money for cleaning products and toiletries. Many rents are as low as $50.00 a month in a thousand dollar unit. If their working they can also get reduced if not free child care. Their still able to own and buy cars along with designer clothing. See it's a win, win for those immediately involved.
Keep in mind Walmart has been sued for their treatment of employee's, hell they even hired a Civil Rights activist to help their image.
Walmart has almost projected an image of the End All to End All, the corporate saver to the communities. Wait till Walmart starts grabbing the shop lifters and in house thief's. Their very heavy handed and then we will see how the community and Alderthiefs start screaming a whole new tune of violations. Enough thefts and lawsuits will end Walmarts cheap prices. Walmart will grab it's money and run. A soon to be fun filled movie coming your way.
Anonymous said...
Keep in mind Walmart has been sued for their treatment of employee's, hell they even hired a Civil Rights activist to help their image.
I have never been a fan of Walmart and I don't shop there, however, I never had a problem with them opening up any stores in the area, creating jobs, etc., but this BS has to stop:
Walmart violates Pennsylvania state labor laws
Wait till Walmart starts grabbing the shop lifters and in house thief's. Their very heavy handed and then we will see how the community and Alderthiefs start screaming a whole new tune of violations. Enough thefts and lawsuits will end Walmarts cheap prices. Walmart will grab it's money and run. A soon to be fun filled movie coming your way.
10/18/2006 03:00:16 PM
G'hed and grip anything $25 & under. Walmart doesn't mind...
Wal-Mart loosens shoplifting policy
Speaking of Walmart, why does OEMC STILL have traffic aides directing traffic at the new Walmart in 025? I mean, WTF? Traffic has died down because the store is no longer a novelty.
How much did Walmart receive in Gov't handouts?
WOuld you recieve the same if you opened a business?
Ya, it's all legit!!!!
I agree with 3:17:48 these jobs are NOT for working adults with families. These jobs are for kids who want part time money. Wal-Mart will not replace US Steel and General Motors. We are in a service based economy. The service based jobs that pay a living wage requires vocational training or a college degree. The days of graduating from high school and getting a good paying industrial job is over. The level of education/training you pocess will determine your worth in the 21st century job market. Putting Wal-Marts in underserved African Americans neighborhoods isn't just a payoff,It's a stroke of genius. Wal-Mart like any good company has done their demographic homework. Blacks in this country are some of the most voracious consumers in the WORLD they pour BILLIONS of dollars into commercial coffers each year. It's simply "bringing the mountain to muhammad." As to loss prevention,I'm sure that they have factored in the risk and found it acceptable. These are not the first stores they've opened in urban neighborhoods. The gain outweighs the risk.
The 25th District has a new Walmart. The 25th District now also has a dedicated "shoplifting car".
Coincidence???
And by the way.....
M. Seiser Runs IT!!!!!!
(and Club Gibbons rocks)
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