jerk of the week: save money, live like a jerk

Okay, I’ll admit this right up front: I have a big problem with the infamous big box retailer that this week’s jerk runs. To me, they are one of the most economically destructive companies out there, responsible for ruining communities by running small businesses out of business and eliminating jobs, and then making sure anyone who does stay employed is not properly compensated. It also usually sucks revenues away from local small towns and communities all across America and sends it to Arkansas.

That’s right, I’m talking about Walmart, which means this week’s JERK OF THE WEEK is

Walmart CEO Mike Duke

I have been boycotting this company for more than a decade, refusing to step foot in any of its many, many stores. A certain lawyer who worked for the state labor department and that I know fairly well (and many of you may know by extension) has told me dozens of stories about how poorly Walmart treats its employees—from low wages and poor benefits to bad employment policies and outright bullying and harassment.

In my eyes, this company seems to act like a bunch of jerks all the time, but every now and then, they distinguish themselves.

Courtesy of the Huffington Post:

At a recent event, Bloomberg LP President Dan Doctoroff pointed out to the Walmart chief executive that even though his company paints itself as “serving an emerging middle class,” many of its employees aren’t paid enough to lead a normal life and some even resort to food stamps to make ends meet, as previously reported by The Huffington Post. This is what Duke had to say in response:

“Retailing is the most competitive industry out there, and we do pay competitive wages,” Duke told Doctoroff, according to Business Insider, noting that around 175,000 Walmart employees are promoted from entry-level positions each year. “Our associates are a great source of pride and personal inspiration for me,” he added.

Sure they are, Dukey. Sure they are. Keep telling yourself that. From the rest of the article.

According to market research firm Ibis World, the average wage for a Walmart employee is $8.81 per hour, barely over the minimum wage in some states. Walmart executives say average rates are higher, with estimates including $11.75 per hour and $12.40 per hour. In contrast, Duke made $18.7 million in 2010. With a CEO-to-employee pay ratio of 717-to-1, that ranks Duke second among a list of 50 CEOs who are paid significantly more than their employees.

It’s nice that he gets so much pride out of what he “provides” for his workers, especially around the holidays. And clearly, his employees absolutely appreciate all the love that he sends out to them—so much so that they just had to take to the streets to demonstrate it.

But really, why should we care. Anything to get those low, low prices, right? I mean, what’s a horribly deadly factory fire in a third-world country when Season 4 of “Billy the Exterminator” is on sale?!

You get what you pay for—I’ll be shopping somewhere where I hope there are less jerks in charge.

For what it’s worth: Although I’d encourage you to buy my book wherever you can, I’d actually prefer if you didn’t go to Walmart to get it (not that something so low brow would even be there). And although I always link to Amazon, I wouldn’t be upset if you bought it from a local bookstore this holiday season. Thanks!