Wal-Mart, undermining port security

Posted by Evan Derkacz at 8:54 AM on April 5, 2006.

What will they think of next? Wal-Mart, smasher of small towns, those crazy folks who seem to think it's okay to pay workers so little that taxpayers foot the bill for their employees' health care costs (among other social programs to the tune of $1.5 billion annually), is now using its might to weaken port security.

According to Donna Jablonski, "A new report by the AFL-CIO, Unchecked: How Wal-Mart Uses Its Might to Block Port Security, documents their efforts since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to ensure that 'security requirements should not become a barrier to trade.'"

As the most powerful member of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, Wal-Mart has consistently pushed to weaken security for its own gain:

On port security, that representation has included pressuring Congress to reject requirements for 'smart containers' and electronic seals on cargo coming into the United States, independent and regular inspections of supply chain security practices, container-handling fees to help finance port security measures and requirements to let U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) know what is being shipped in and from where it is coming.

The sickest part? The cost of all this security would come to a measly one-third of 1 percent of Wal-Mart's $11.2 billion profits (that's PROFITS) from last year. Or less than CEO Lee Scott's compensation over the past couple years.

But you can get a toilet brush for freakin' $2.99 so I guess it's a wash. (AFL-CIO)

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Evan Derkacz is a New York-based writer and contributor to AlterNet.