| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: 1 2 [3] 4 5 6 |
SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
Posted by Beth1210
there are really bigger social issues in the world then if some worker at walmart says merry christmas or happy holidays
how about the fact that the people working there don't have heath insurance or make a living wage - now that's a real issue!
not to get too off topic here, but they're not close to being the only employer out there who doesn't pay well.
also... I do believe that their FT employees get health insurance.
Message edited 11/9/2006 8:20:40 PM.
|
Posted 11/9/06 8:20 PM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
if you don't like it- don't shop there
it's a free country and if you don't agree with they are doing- don't support them
I don't shop there- my company wont sell to them- I wish more people would stand up against wal mart
|
| Posted 11/9/06 8:21 PM |
| |
|
Redhead
You Live, You Learn
Member since 5/05 31871 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
I LOATHE Walmart...
but i still don't think ignoring what they are doing is correct either...
|
| Posted 11/9/06 8:23 PM |
| |
|
Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
Posted by Beth1210
there are really bigger social issues in the world then if some worker at walmart says merry christmas or happy holidays
how about the fact that the people working there don't have heath insurance or make a living wage - now that's a real issue!
not to get too off topic here, but they're not close to being the only employer out there who doesn't pay well.
also... I do believe that their FT employees get health insurance.
Majority of Wal-Mart employees can’t afford company health care
Between 2000-2005, the cost of premiums rose 169 percent for single coverage and 117 percent for family coverage.
The average worker would have to pay one fifth of his paycheck for health care coverage at Wal-Mart. On a wage of about $8 an hour and 29-32 hours of work a week, many workers must rely on state programs or family members or simply live without health insurance.
Employees must pay $218 per month for family health care coverage from Wal-Mart.
In Wal-Mart's employee health plan, deductibles range from $350 to as high as $3,000 for family coverage.
Wal-Mart’s refusal to provide affordable health care impacts taxpayers and other employers
More than 60 percent of Wal-Mart employees--600,000 people--are forced to get health insurance coverage from the government or through spouses’ plans—or live without any health insurance. Wal-Mart shifts the cost of health insurance to taxpayers and other employers, driving up the health costs for all of us.
Recent reports show that Wal-Mart tops the list of companies in many states whose employees and/or their children rely on taxpayers to foot the bill for health care:
In Alabama, Wal-Mart employees with children on Medicaid cost the state between $5.8 million and $8.2 million to cover 3,864 children.
Wal-Mart workers in California rely on the state taxpayers for about $32 million annually in health-related services.
In Tennessee, almost 10,000 Wal-Mart employees are on the state’s expanded Medicaid program.
In Georgia, over 10,261 children of Wal-Mart employees are enrolled in the state’s PeachCare program for health insurance in families meeting federal poverty criteria.
When other companies get tired of paying the bill for Wal-Mart, they drop or reduce health care benefits for their employees. There are more than 40 million uninsured working families. The more Wal-Mart grows, so do the number of the uninsured.
Wal-Mart continues to further restrict health care coverage eligibility
In 2002, Wal-Mart further restricted the number of employees eligible for coverage by requiring full-time workers to work six months before become eligible to purchase the company’s health insurance. Part-time workers need to wait two years for health care insurance—which only qualifies for single coverage, not dependent coverage. Also in 2002, the company raised the bar for new full-time workers from 28 hours to 34 hours per week to be eligible to purchase the health care coverage.
Wal-Mart Increased Advertising More Than Health Care
In 2004, Wal-Mart spent nearly the same amount on advertising as it did on health insurance. In 2004, Wal-Mart reports that it spent $1.5 billion on health care benefits and $1.4 billion in advertising.
Between 2003 and 2004, Wal-Mart increased its advertising budget by $434 million, only increasing its spending on employee health care by $100 million. That means Wal-Mart increased its spending on advertising by 45 percent while only increasing its spending on employee health care by 7 percent.
In fact, Wal-Mart has consistently increased spending on advertising more than its spending on employee health care. Between 2002 and 2003, Wal-Mart put more new funds into advertising than into health care. Wal-Mart increased spending on advertising by $290 million, while only increasing health care spending by $215 million for the same period. (note: this also occurred in 1995-96, 1997-98,1998-1999).
Wal-Mart’s health plans are getting further out of reach to it employees
Wal-Mart has increased the premium cost for workers by over 200% since 1993--medical care inflation only went up 50% in the same period. In 2002 alone, Wal-Mart’s health care premiums increased by 30%.—nearly triple the national average increase of 11%.
Wal-Mart further restricted the number of associates eligible for coverage by requiring fulltime associates to work six months before becoming eligible to purchase Wal-Mart health insurance. The company also raised the number of hours new employees must work from 28 to 34 hours per week to be eligible to purchase the expensive health care coverage.
Wal-Mart spends minimal on covering employee health benefits
The Wall Street Journal reported that in 2002, average spending on health benefits for each of Wal-Mart’s 500,000 covered employees was $3,500—almost 40% less than the average for all U.S. corporations and 30% less than the rest of the wholesale/retail industry.
The Walton family is worth about $98 billion. Just 1% of the family wealth could provide affordable health care for all Wal-Mart employees.
One Out of Six Wal-Mart Employees Has No Health Care Coverage At All
This is more than double the national percentage for large firms (firms with over 100 employees). In fact, we estimate that Wal-Mart accounted in 2005 for more than 1 out of every 40 uninsured workers who are employed at a large firm.
|
| Posted 11/9/06 8:25 PM |
| |
|
Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
Posted by Redhead
I LOATHE Walmart...
but i still don't think ignoring what they are doing is correct either...
but what can you do? besides not shop there?
|
| Posted 11/9/06 8:26 PM |
| |
|
Redhead
You Live, You Learn
Member since 5/05 31871 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
Posted by Beth1210
Posted by Redhead
I LOATHE Walmart...
but i still don't think ignoring what they are doing is correct either...
but what can you do? besides not shop there?
post bitching about them 
|
| Posted 11/9/06 8:27 PM |
| |
|
Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
[
but what can you do? besides not shop there?
post bitching about them
ok- have it your way!
|
| Posted 11/9/06 8:29 PM |
| |
|
Jax430
Hi!
Member since 5/05 18919 total posts
Name:
Jackie
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
I am Jewish, and of course, I am often wished a "Merry Christmas" during the holiday season. I usually say "thank you, same to you," and move on. However, I do appreciate when "Happy Holidays" is used instead, and although I am aware that I am in a minority, I don't like the assumption that I celebrate Christmas. In this case, knowing that Walmart made this official decision to disregard other holidays, I would probably purposely respond "thanks, but I celebrate chanukah," or "Happy HOLIDAYS"
I think all the "holiday tree" stuff is nonsense though...it's a Christmas tree!
I don't light "a holiday candelabra", I light a Menorah.
|
| Posted 11/9/06 8:32 PM |
| |
|
SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
Posted by Beth1210
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
Posted by Beth1210
there are really bigger social issues in the world then if some worker at walmart says merry christmas or happy holidays
how about the fact that the people working there don't have heath insurance or make a living wage - now that's a real issue!
not to get too off topic here, but they're not close to being the only employer out there who doesn't pay well.
also... I do believe that their FT employees get health insurance.
Majority of Wal-Mart employees can’t afford company health care
Between 2000-2005, the cost of premiums rose 169 percent for single coverage and 117 percent for family coverage.
wow... that is eye opening 
|
| Posted 11/9/06 8:32 PM |
| |
|
PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
Posted by Jax430
I am Jewish, and of course, I am often wished a "Merry Christmas" during the holiday season. I usually say "thank you, same to you," and move on. However, I do appreciate when "Happy Holidays" is used instead, and although I am aware that I am in a minority, I don't like the assumption that I celebrate Christmas. In this case, knowing that Walmart made this official decision to disregard other holidays, I would probably purposely respond "thanks, but I celebrate chanukah," or "Happy HOLIDAYS"
I think all the "holiday tree" stuff is nonsense though...it's a Christmas tree!
I don't light "a holiday candelabra", I light a Menorah.
Good point!
|
| Posted 11/9/06 8:35 PM |
| |
|
MegZee
My bunny
Member since 5/06 8777 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
i would like to see the reaction in other parts of the country - NY is so diverse - yet my best friend went to school in Northern PA - her roomates were from the area - they never met a jewish person (they were shocked when we said we knew quite a few) and their PUBLIC schools dont have off for Martin Luther King Day, but they have off for the first day of hunting season.
SO if people are getting their panties in a bunch over wal mart saying merry christmas, i think there are bigger problems with celebrating holidays in this country!
|
| Posted 11/9/06 8:55 PM |
| |
|
june262004
But I love the Snow!
Member since 5/05 15379 total posts
Name:
Kristin
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
O.K. My 2 cents...
I am catholic. I think people should just say Happy Holidays. This way you cover EVERYTHING!
BUT.... I work in the bank as most of you know. Last year some older man came in to the bank had a FIT that we had a menorah and a christmas tree and not a nativity scene  When we pointed out the christmas tree which could be seen from the tree he told us that it was not a christmas tree it was a "holiday tree" DUMBEST THING EVER! Im sorry its a christmas tree. NOT a holiday TREE. Most Jewish people do not put up trees.
AND in all seriousness... PEOPLE HAVE WAY TO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS TO THINK THIS CRAP UP!
This guy told us he was taking all his money out of the bank the 1st of the year  YA OK. Why not do it know... His Money is STILL THERE!
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:03 PM |
| |
|
Christine
2nd verse same as the 1st
Member since 5/05 15287 total posts
Name:
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
I think they should pay attention to their demographics a bit with regard to saying Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or whatever. An area as diverse as NYC/LI it's really insensitve to have all their employees greet all of their customers with Merry Christmas.
I do think the decorations should be called by their right name -- if it's a Christmas tree call it that. I never quite understood why there was a push to call it a holiday tree.
Regarding Walmart and their employee health plan -- I have to say it sounds a whole lot better then what my company offers. My co-workers pay more then 3x what was posted above but do not earn 3x more. Just throwing that out there.
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:06 PM |
| |
|
SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
Posted by june262004
O.K. My 2 cents...
I am catholic. I think people should just say Happy Holidays. This way you cover EVERYTHING!
BUT.... I work in the bank as most of you know. Last year some older man came in to the bank had a FIT that we had a menorah and a christmas tree and not a nativity scene When we pointed out the christmas tree which could be seen from the tree he told us that it was not a christmas tree it was a "holiday tree" DUMBEST THING EVER! Im sorry its a christmas tree. NOT a holiday TREE. Most Jewish people do not put up trees.
AND in all seriousness... PEOPLE HAVE WAY TO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS TO THINK THIS CRAP UP!
This guy told us he was taking all his money out of the bank the 1st of the year YA OK. Why not do it know... His Money is STILL THERE!
was he high?
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:07 PM |
| |
|
june262004
But I love the Snow!
Member since 5/05 15379 total posts
Name:
Kristin
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
Posted by june262004
O.K. My 2 cents...
I am catholic. I think people should just say Happy Holidays. This way you cover EVERYTHING!
BUT.... I work in the bank as most of you know. Last year some older man came in to the bank had a FIT that we had a menorah and a christmas tree and not a nativity scene When we pointed out the christmas tree which could be seen from the tree he told us that it was not a christmas tree it was a "holiday tree" DUMBEST THING EVER! Im sorry its a christmas tree. NOT a holiday TREE. Most Jewish people do not put up trees.
AND in all seriousness... PEOPLE HAVE WAY TO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS TO THINK THIS CRAP UP!
This guy told us he was taking all his money out of the bank the 1st of the year YA OK. Why not do it know... His Money is STILL THERE!
was he high?
NO. Like who thinks this crap up. Who says I AM GOING TO GO TO THE BANK TODAY AND YELL AT THEM FOR HAVING A CHRISTMAS TREE 
WAY WAY WAY to much time on their hands!
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:08 PM |
| |
|
MegZee
My bunny
Member since 5/06 8777 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
Posted by june262004
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
Posted by june262004
O.K. My 2 cents...
I am catholic. I think people should just say Happy Holidays. This way you cover EVERYTHING!
BUT.... I work in the bank as most of you know. Last year some older man came in to the bank had a FIT that we had a menorah and a christmas tree and not a nativity scene When we pointed out the christmas tree which could be seen from the tree he told us that it was not a christmas tree it was a "holiday tree" DUMBEST THING EVER! Im sorry its a christmas tree. NOT a holiday TREE. Most Jewish people do not put up trees.
AND in all seriousness... PEOPLE HAVE WAY TO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS TO THINK THIS CRAP UP!
This guy told us he was taking all his money out of the bank the 1st of the year YA OK. Why not do it know... His Money is STILL THERE!
was he high?
NO. Like who thinks this crap up. Who says I AM GOING TO GO TO THE BANK TODAY AND YELL AT THEM FOR HAVING A CHRISTMAS TREE
WAY WAY WAY to much time on their hands!
every bank has a Christmas Tree and a menorah. he'll have to keep his $$ under his mattress
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:11 PM |
| |
|
MegZee
My bunny
Member since 5/06 8777 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
I work in banking too - i used to work in a branch - and we got yelled at by a jewish woman because the menorah wasn't big enough - they dont make menorahs as big as christmas trees, get over yourself.
there was also controversy in my town a few years ago because every year they put up a big wreath (which isnt very christmas-y to me) and people put up a big stink about it. so they took it down.
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:12 PM |
| |
|
SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
Posted by Meaghan729
Posted by june262004
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
Posted by june262004
O.K. My 2 cents...
I am catholic. I think people should just say Happy Holidays. This way you cover EVERYTHING!
BUT.... I work in the bank as most of you know. Last year some older man came in to the bank had a FIT that we had a menorah and a christmas tree and not a nativity scene When we pointed out the christmas tree which could be seen from the tree he told us that it was not a christmas tree it was a "holiday tree" DUMBEST THING EVER! Im sorry its a christmas tree. NOT a holiday TREE. Most Jewish people do not put up trees.
AND in all seriousness... PEOPLE HAVE WAY TO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS TO THINK THIS CRAP UP!
This guy told us he was taking all his money out of the bank the 1st of the year YA OK. Why not do it know... His Money is STILL THERE!
was he high?
NO. Like who thinks this crap up. Who says I AM GOING TO GO TO THE BANK TODAY AND YELL AT THEM FOR HAVING A CHRISTMAS TREE
WAY WAY WAY to much time on their hands!
every bank has a Christmas Tree and a menorah. he'll have to keep his $$ under his mattress
pfffffffffft! and nothing for Kwanza? 
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:13 PM |
| |
|
johnsae
Sip.
Member since 3/06 18677 total posts
Name:
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
I think it's great
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:16 PM |
| |
|
MegZee
My bunny
Member since 5/06 8777 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
pfffffffffft! and nothing for Kwanza?
havent gotten yelled at by a customer yet about that!
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:23 PM |
| |
|
MarisaK
HELLO Manolo !!
Member since 5/06 14562 total posts
Name:
Marisa
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
I think Walmart need to fire their PR department - WHY are they so extreme ? Last year there wasn't any mention of "Christmas" so this year they learned their lesson and decide to shove it down everyone's throat ??
It is IMPOSSIBLE to make everyone happy all the time and never offend anyone, but IMO (and I'm Catholic) instructing your staff to ONLY use the phrase "Merry Christmas" is presumptious and ignorant. What is the big deal to say "Happy Holidays" ?? - All bases are covered, everyone is happy - no one is offended. -
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:27 PM |
| |
|
MegZee
My bunny
Member since 5/06 8777 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
Posted by MarisaK
I think Walmart need to fire their PR department - WHY are they so extreme ?
fire them?? they need to pay them more! everyone is talking about wal mart - people will go in the store just to see if they say merry christmas or happy holdiays. its great publicity, imo.
better us talking about this than they cr@ppy wages they pay their workers and vendors!
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:31 PM |
| |
|
Redhead
You Live, You Learn
Member since 5/05 31871 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
Posted by Meaghan729
Posted by MarisaK
I think Walmart need to fire their PR department - WHY are they so extreme ?
fire them?? they need to pay them more! everyone is talking about wal mart - people will go in the store just to see if they say merry christmas or happy holdiays. its great publicity, imo.
better us talking about this than they cr@ppy wages they pay their workers and vendors!
I have to disagree there...
people may be talking about them but this isn't the kind of thing that will make them SHOP there
SO i really do not see how the PR guy should be given a raise..
But the decision makers need a BRICK to the head...
Message edited 11/9/2006 9:35:19 PM.
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:33 PM |
| |
|
Jax430
Hi!
Member since 5/05 18919 total posts
Name:
Jackie
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
Posted by june262004
O.K. My 2 cents...
I am catholic. I think people should just say Happy Holidays. This way you cover EVERYTHING!
BUT.... I work in the bank as most of you know. Last year some older man came in to the bank had a FIT that we had a menorah and a christmas tree and not a nativity scene When we pointed out the christmas tree which could be seen from the tree he told us that it was not a christmas tree it was a "holiday tree" DUMBEST THING EVER! Im sorry its a christmas tree. NOT a holiday TREE. Most Jewish people do not put up trees.
AND in all seriousness... PEOPLE HAVE WAY TO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS TO THINK THIS CRAP UP!
This guy told us he was taking all his money out of the bank the 1st of the year YA OK. Why not do it know... His Money is STILL THERE!
My mom once had a discussion with another teacher in her school about this issue. Her colleague felt a menorah was inappropriate b/c it was a religious symbol, but that a Christmas tree was fine because it doesn't have religious significance! Yes, we do say blessings when we light the menorah, which I guess makes it more "religious", but if there was no Christ, there would be no Christmas, and no Christmas tree, so I think it is just as much of a religious symbol!
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:38 PM |
| |
|
MegZee
My bunny
Member since 5/06 8777 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
|
Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas
I have to disagree there...
people may be talking about them but this isn't the kind of thing that will make them SHOP there
SO i really do not see how the PR guy should be given a raise..
But the decision makers need a BRICK to the head...
youd be surprised what would make people shop places. im sure they did their research before announcing this.
and remember - wal mart is THE place to shop in the bible belt. A friend of mine lived in Arkansas for a few years - Wal Mart is where you bought EVERYTHING - and how many non christians do you know in Arkansas? not many- they are probably cheering in the streets.
not that I agree with that, i dont- i just think that as NYers - who live in close proximity to people of all religiions, its easier for us to see how ridiculous this is rather than places in this country that are not as diverse.
|
| Posted 11/9/06 9:42 PM |
| |
|
| Pages: 1 2 [3] 4 5 6 |
