Big-box 'living wage' passed, Chicago

Chicago Sun-Times ^ | July 26, 2006 | FRAN SPIELMAN

[Brilliant]

Well, I got raked over the coals for saying that I did not think Target would pull out of Chicago if this happened, as they threatened.

Now we'll see.

I'm betting they just raise their prices.

[drc43]

What have the Unions really won? This law will likely be overturned, just as a somewhat similar law in Maryland was.

If it is not, then I suspect Walmart will not operate in Chicago.

Seems like the City Council has a Detroit Death Wish.

[Southack]

"The failed effort to stop Wal-Mart gave birth to the big-box movement. Opponents claim that labor leaders’ real beef is their failure to unionize Wal-Mart."

...and *why* did labor fail to organize Wal-Mart?! Perhaps because the major unions are spending more than $80 million per election year in political contributions to Democrats, leaving only $40 million (or less) in funds for "organizing."

In short, labor unions have become a political organization; spending more money on partisan politics than on core union functions such as Organizing.

[jaydubya2]

"In short, labor unions have become a political organization; spending more money on partisan politics than on core union functions such as Organizing."

That's a major reason why organizations such as the AFL-CIO are lossing their membership.

[AmericaUnited]

a stunning defeat for Wal-Mart

Stunning defeat my a**! What's so stunning about a bunch of commie rats wanting to suck blood out of a propering business? If this sticks, Wlamart will move out and then we'll see who is stunned.

[stimpy17]

Here, let me pound the last nail in the coffin......say bye, bye!

[Toddsterpatriot]

If this sticks, Wlamart will move out and then we'll see who is stunned.

WalMart will continue to open stores on the border of the city. Chicago then gets none of the sales tax.

[Bob]

There are no WalMarts in Chicago. Now you know why.

I'd bet that the towns just outside of the Chicago city limits will appreciate the jobs and tax revenues that the new stores will bring in.

[NonValueAdded]

Unlikely to stand judicial review.

[facedown]

...under a groundbreaking ordinance...

More like a gravedigging ordinance.

[jaydubya2]

"Unlikely to stand judicial review."
Who knows? Chicago is already violating the 2nd Amendment.

[Mike Darancette]

Ald. Ed Smith, 28th, chairman of the City Council’s black caucus, took the opposite view. He presented charts that showed the average Wal-Mart employee is paid $7.70 an hour and $16,016 a year, while Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott is paid $16,826 an hour (figuring on a 40-hour week) and $34.9 million a year.

It all comes down to the envy of petty little people.

[DustyMoment]

The 35 to 14 vote by a bitterly divided City Council is a victory for organized labor, a stunning defeat for Wal-Mart and the latest in a string of legislative embarrassments for Mayor Daley.

The "stunning defeat" will ultimately end up affecting the residents of the city and the entry-level, low-wage earners who think they won something. Businesses will either be forced to close or substantially raise prices to offset this liberal insanity. Government has NO BUSINESS dictating to private sector industries the wages and benefits they must pay. Hopefully, the backlash will costy 35 leftist city council members their seats.

[Toddsterpatriot]

IIRC, the store in Evergreen Park is across the street from Chicago. LOL!

[Chode]

and Atlas PUKED!!!

[pabianice]

That stampeding noise is (more) businesses fleeing Chicago...

[NormsRevenge]

Supporters of the proposed 'living wage' ordinance that would force 'big box' stores such as Wal-Mart and Target inside Chicago's city limits to pay workers more money cheer as Alderman Joseph Moore addresses the city council about the ordinance Wednesday, July 26, 2006, in Chicago. The council is to vote on the ordinance later today. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

[NormsRevenge]

Angela Munguia, 20, Karla Munoz, 20, and Jeyson Florez, 21, left to right, speak with organizer Madeline Talbott after the group showed its support for the 'living wage' proposal at Chicago's City Hall on Tuesday, July 25, 2006. The proposed ordinance, which would require 'big box' retailers to pay higher minimum wages and greater benefits to its workers, will go before the City Council vote on Wednesday, July 26. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

[I still care]

I seem to remember Ben and Jerry's a few years ago had a policy that no one in the company could earn more than 17 times the lowest paid worker. That policy didn't last too long. It doesn't work.

[eleni121]

This is all about upper class limo liberals assuaging their consciences on the backs of lower income people.