[extropy-chat] a real pleasure to work for [dave at farber.net: [IP] Wal-Mart threatens employees: Don't see the Wal-Mart Movie]

[BillK]

On 11/14/05, Eugen Leitl wrote:
> ----- Forwarded message from David Farber -----
>
> Apparently, the controversial documentary -- which has received rave
> reviews from several media outlets -- is so worrisome to Wal-Mart
> that they've threatened employees with termination if they so much as
> see it.
>
> Regardless of your political stance or affiliation, it should give
> you pause that any corporation would try to exert control over
> employees' media choices outside of working hours, don't you think?
>


Movie reviewed on New York Times - (more reviews available via Google)
<http://movies2.nytimes.com/2005/11/04/movies/04walm.html?ex=1132117200&en=10b2ec69ca687e5f&ei=5070>
(Long link bypasses NYT login)

The saddest part of this documentary is a series of shots of abandoned
Main Streets, empty store after empty store, with Bruce Springsteen's
plaintive version of "This Land Is Your Land" as accompaniment. But
vanquishing thousands of small businesses coast to coast is not
Wal-Mart's only crime, its critics say.

They also cite the company's treatment of its employees, whose average
annual income is under $14,000. The company offers health insurance,
but it is so expensive, employees say, that most people can't afford
it. According to the documentary, company representatives openly
recommend that workers sign up for government-aid programs instead.

"The High Cost of Low Price" makes its case with breathtaking force.
Mr. Scott of Wal-Mart declined to speak on camera, Mr. Greenwald says.
The company is worried enough about this film and growing opposition
elsewhere that it has hired high-powered former presidential advisers
and set up a public relations "war room" to deflect and respond to
criticism.
etc.
------------------


BillK