Don’t Blame Wal-Mart

Multinational giant Wal-Mart is notorious for its anti-union stance and questionable labor practices. But, as Robert B. Reich opines, "Isn't Wal-Mart really being punished for our sins?" Reich suggests that US consumers, in their quest for bottom-dollar bargains, continue to shop at low-price retailers – thereby enabling their practices. In the competition to stay afloat, businesses move savings to consumers – often at the expense of those furthest down the supply chain: laborers. To resolve the ongoing internal battle between frugal consumer and conscientious citizen, Reich suggests measures that support both concerns: fair labor standards or increased minimum wage, for instance. "These provisions might end up costing me some money," he concludes, "but the citizen in me thinks they are worth the price." – YaleGlobal