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I've been in that position (getting promised that great job or promotion and it never comes) several times, but I never worked for Wal-Mart. Employers want to keep the good people around, and, like the commercial from the days of my youth said, "Promise them anything, but give them Arpege."

A worker has the choice between Wal-Mart, SafeWay, Target, McDonald's, etc. Service industry employers are begging for workers. Bounce around until you either find an employer who values you enough to give you the promotion, or grit your teeth, get a scholarship/grant/student loan, and finish school at night. The nice thing about 24 hour stores like Wal-Mart is that you can request the 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM shift, then take early classes at the local community college.

I've worked at jobs and stayed long past the time I should have moved on simply because I really enjoyed what I did and the people I worked with. I knew the company couldn't afford to pay me more, and I had no health care, but I turned down "real" jobs with the state because I didn't want to wear pantyhose to work.

It's all about choices. The workers make the choice to stay with a company based on needs and desires. Personally, I'm opposed to government subsidies in any form, and would like to see these people get a move on and work elsewhere if the Wal-Mart salary doesn't cover their expenses. But, my tax dollars will go to support them whether they work at Wal-Mart or go on welfare full time.