WalMart's New Dress Code/Uniform - Fair or Unfair to Employees?

[Andy9o8 0]

skydiver30960

I voted "unreasonable;" not because of the idea of the dress code/uniform (of which I do approve) but because of the costs associated with it.

For me the most galling part is the sad little 10% discount. C'mon, it's crappy enough when a company requires the employee to pay for their uniforms, but when it's also so painfully obviously profiting from that sale, it's just douchey.

Don't want to provide the uniform free of charge? Fine. Want to let the employee choose from a couple different styles so they can find something they're comfortable in rather than force them into something that may not be cut to fit them? Fine. But at least let them buy the needed items at cost. Walmart doesn't need to let their employees have that discount across the board, just on the approved "uniform/dress code" items.

Elvisio "One more reason to avoid Wallyworld" Rodriguez

That's how the issue stikes my gut, too - bad enough that they can't be arsed to provide a company-logo polo shirt without charge to struggling minimum-wagers (like so, so many other employers do), but they seem to be using it as an opportunity to profiteer out of the wages of these folks. They sat down with their company lawyers, carefully discussed the legal difference between "uniforms" and "dress code", and this is what they came up with. They know fully well that struggling Wally employees will feel financially motivated to buy these items from Wally just to defray the 10% cost, because for those folks, every little penny counts. Perfectly legal, but morally kind of stinky. Sorry, but WalMart's poor employee-relations reputation precedes it, so they get a little less benefit of the doubt in my mind.

**PS - I acknowledge that plenty of other employers, including some retailers, have "just plain dress codes" for their employees. But here, it's not like WalMart has always done that - it's a new plan, designed not just to evolve with the times, but also specifically (IMHO) to profiteer off the employees, and that's what I think makes the moral difference compared to other employers.

Seriously, if I was one of their main competitors - say, Target - I'd rush to offer, say, a 25% discount on those specific items for customers who have proof of their current employment with WalMart.

You know in Wendy's thread where I fantasize about leading BOA execs to the guillotine when the revolution comes? WalMart's executives will be waiting on deck.

[JerryBaumchen 1,046]

Hi Andy,

Quote

profiteer off the employees

This just adds to a long list of reasons why I never shop at WalMart.

I have been in just one WalMart store in my life ( was with my son who wanted to go there ) and did not buy anything.

JerryBaumchen

[normiss 620]

In boot camp, it was the uniforms and all associated clothing items, any hardware and books.
Upon receipt of first post boot paycheck, those costs were deducted.
After boot, we were paying for clothing, housing, and food.
It paid quite well to live off base.

It paid even better to be good friends with the chow hall crew as well.

[BartsDaddy 4]

***
After 35 years in the grind I would hope I am making more than minimum wage.
That does not change the fact that about thirty years ago as I was getting started as a millwright I was making minimum wage and also spending 100 to 200 dollars a month on tools to do my job and make a living.

Handguns are only used to fight your way to a good rifle

[oldwomanc6 38]

You wear jeans to church?

lisa
WSCR 594
FB 1023
CBDB 9

[quade 3]

oldwomanc6

You wear jeans to church?

Pffft. Why not? Jesus didn't even change out of his night gown.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[BartsDaddy 4]

PFFT some people don't even put on work clothes. They just send in the paperwork and wait for the check.

Handguns are only used to fight your way to a good rifle

[RonD1120 58]

I wondered who would catch that.

Yes, I live in the mountains and have always leaned toward small country churches. Now that we are in hunting season cammo will become a fashion statement.

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[Andy9o8 0]

RonD1120

Now that we are in hunting season cammo will become a fashion statement.

Wait, when is it not?

[rehmwa 2]

Andy9o8

Seriously, if I was one of their main competitors - say, Target - I'd rush to offer, say, a 25% discount on those specific items for customers who have proof of their current employment with WalMart.

absolutely excellent

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[airdvr 197]

JerryBaumchen

Hi Andy,

Quote

profiteer off the employees

This just adds to a long list of reasons why I never shop at WalMart.

I have been in just one WalMart store in my life ( was with my son who wanted to go there ) and did not buy anything.

JerryBaumchen

That'll show 'em.

Please don't dent the planet.

Destinations by Roxanne

[normiss 620]

Feeding them cash on a regular basis only makes the monster bigger.
I don't shop there either.
Won't do it.

[RonD1120 58]

Do you and Jerry realize that Walmart is a great American success story. I consider it on par with Ford Motor Company. Are you guys admitting to prefer socialism to capitalism?

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[rehmwa 2]

the poll options don't work with me

- private company can do whatever. 'reasonable' or not doesn't really play no matter how I feel about it

I'd also accept the option "meh" (actually I'd prefer that one as a more accurate reflection)

Quote

Do you and Jerry realize that Walmart is a great American success story. I consider it on par with Ford Motor Company. Are you guys admitting to prefer socialism to capitalism?

I'd not say it's capitalism - any company that depends on government welfare to enable it's employees to stay - well, shame on that company, double shame on those employees for not working elsewhere, and shame on a government structure that allows it.

I don't much care for the arguments that will say which of the 3 'started' it. Any one of the three could break that problem.

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[normiss 620]

I do my best to not support the Chinese economy.
Walmart is the major US support of that economy.
I don't need their crap products.


Let me add a question though...
Why do you chose Communism over Socialism?

[Andy9o8 0]

RonD1120

Do you and Jerry realize that Walmart is a great American success story. I consider it on par with Ford Motor Company.

I'd agree with that. Heck, I'd even add Standard Oil and United Fruit Company to that list. Provided, of course, that they're all viewed in complete historical perspective.

Quote

Are you guys admitting to prefer socialism to capitalism?

There is business and there is ethics. At its core, the Roman Empire of Caesar (as with most empires) was all about business. And at its core, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was all about ethics. Are you admitting to preferring to render unto Caesar that which is more properly rendered unto God?

[RonD1120 58]

We shop for groceries at Walmart because they are cheaper. When ammo was scarce I could buy Tulammo for my guns at Walmart. I guess that was supporting Russia. Now they have American, Turkish and Israeli ammo. My wife buys plants there sometimes. I don't believe we are supporting the Chinese.

Incidently, I drive a Toyota truck, preferred by SOCOM in Afghanistan, and my wife drives a KIA. We bought both of those vehicles from Americans and paid for them in U.S. currency.

When I lived in FL I bought merchandise from Harbor Freight. I think must of that came from China.

I believe such transactions benefit the American economy. I don't care where the products are manufactured.

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[RonD1120 58]

Jesus instructed us to pay our taxes. Here. in America, we delude ourselves into believing we have some control over how much and how often. The fight over that subject at election gives us something to occupy our time and our minds until the big event comes.

The point is God will provide for His people.

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[NewGuy2005 51]

skydiver30960

For me the most galling part is the sad little 10% discount. C'mon, it's crappy enough when a company requires the employee to pay for their uniforms, but when it's also so painfully obviously profiting from that sale, it's just douchey.

The 10% off is part of the standard "associate" discount. It has nothing to do with the uniforms or douche.

[Andy9o8 0]

RonD1120

The point is God will provide for His people.

That wasn't the only point. Among other things, it was, like most of the Gospel, a reminder to always maintain one's moral compass notwithstanding secular concerns.

[Andy9o8 0]

NewGuy2005

***
For me the most galling part is the sad little 10% discount. C'mon, it's crappy enough when a company requires the employee to pay for their uniforms, but when it's also so painfully obviously profiting from that sale, it's just douchey.

The 10% off is part of the standard "associate" discount. It has nothing to do with the uniforms or douche.

You clearly missed his point; maybe re-read the entirety of his post.

BTW, "douche" means "shower". In doing this, WalMart is essentially giving its employees a golden shower.

Apologies for the image.

[billvon 2,380]

Quote

We shop for groceries at Walmart because they are cheaper.

A good point, and for most Americans, that's really all that matters.

Quote

I believe such transactions benefit the American economy. I don't care where the products are manufactured.

So you do not see any benefit to sending money to US companies rather than Chinese companies? Interesting.

[christelsabine 1]

RonD1120

Jesus instructed us to pay our taxes.

You must live in heaven. For us over here, it's the tax office instructing us ....

Quote

The point is God will provide for His people.

We call it unemployment support.

dudeist skydiver # 3105

[quade 3]

RonD1120

Do you and Jerry realize that Walmart is a great American success story. I consider it on par with Ford Motor Company. Are you guys admitting to prefer socialism to capitalism?

With WalMart it's not of choice of socialism or capitalism, it's a horrible merging of both at the expense of the average American taxpayer.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[peek 20]

billvon

So you do not see any benefit to sending money to US companies rather than Chinese companies? Interesting.

I think what Ron is trying to remind us of is that once a product is in this country and owned by an American, any profit from the sale of that item is going to an American.

Sure, something made in another country by citizens of that country is going to benefit them. It would be nice if we all bought only things manufactured in America.

But most things get distributed and resold enough times that Americans are making money from them, perhaps more than the original manufacturers in some cases.