[oceanview]

at $8.50/hr is southern california, those people are likely on some form of public assistance, or using the emergency room as their medical plan. so we are paying for that, and all the other services they want/need/get.

[redheadtoo]

or using the emergency room as their medical plan. so we are paying for that,

The store workers, even the part time ones, are currently getting free medical benefits. They are striking because the stores want them to contribute to their medical insurance.

Because of the rising cost of medical insurance, and the stiff competition that Wal-Mart will be bringing in a few years the stores can no longer afford to give their workers free insurance.