'Living wage' mandate in D.C. sends Walmart running | The Raw Story

By Eric W. Dolan
Tuesday, July 9, 2013 21:36 EDT

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Walmart on Tuesday threatened to abandon three planned stores in Washington, D.C. if the city enacted a so-called ?living wage? bill targeting big-box stores.

The Large Retailer Accountability Act was passed in the D.C. Council in late June by a 8-5 vote. If enacted, it would require retailers that make more than $1 billion per year and occupy at least 75,000 square feet to pay employees at least $12.50 per hour, minus benefits. Stores with collective bargaining agreements would not be effected by the law.

?From day one, we have said that this legislation is arbitrary and discriminatory and that it discourages investment in Washington,? Walmart regional general manager Alex Barron said in an op-ed piece published by The Washington Post.

?As a result, Wal-Mart will not pursue stores at Skyland, Capitol Gateway or New York Avenue if the LRAA is passed,? he added. ?What?s more, passage would also jeopardize the three stores already under construction, as we would thoroughly review the financial and legal implications of the bill on those projects.?

The D.C. Council will vote on the living wage bill for a final time on Wednesday.

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Source: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/07/09/living-wage-mandate-in-d-c-sends-walmart-running/

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