Wal-Mart, McDonalds, Safeway

[uppityperson]

Looks like Safeway is doing a bit better, other 2 still down there. I have shopped Safeway minimally for yrs due to a disliked manager, added another reason also when I found out how little many workers get.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003457972_walmart02m.html

State picking up $9 million tab to cover Wal-Mart workers

TACOMA — Wal-Mart again has been listed as having more workers on Medicaid and Washington's Basic Health Plan than any other private employer in the state.

According to a state compilation of enrollments in June, Wal-Mart had 3,194 employees in the two taxpayer-subsidized health-care programs out of 16,000 of its employees in the state, while McDonald's was second with 1,932 and Safeway — also with a work force of about 16,000 in Washington — was third with 1,302. By comparison, the figures in a confidential report for 2004 showed Wal-Mart with 3,180 workers in taxpayer-supported health-care programs, McDonald's with 1,824 and Safeway with 1,712.

(cut)

A bill that was enacted in Maryland was struck down in federal court this summer. A similar measure died in the Washington Legislature after House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, refused to advance it. The report presented to legislators Thursday estimated that assistance for Wal-Mart employees will cost the state around $9 million this year out of a total of $600 million for all workers in Washington who receive such aid.
(cut)

Wal-Mart spokeswoman Jennifer Holder questioned the latest figures. "I don't think it's an accurate picture of who is using the system most," Holder told The News Tribune on Thursday. She also said Wal-Mart hires many people who are on public health assistance and has found some are reluctant to switch health plans..(more@cuts)

[Sanity Claws]

1. Safeway?

Its workers are unionized and get good benefits, including health insurance. The catch is that the worker has to work a certain number of hours each month to be eligible. My guess is that it's part-timeers who are using the state subsidized insurance.

[uppityperson]

2. That could be

how many part-timers do they have? I know of many here. Sometimes companies hire more part timers to avoid paying benefits, have run into this myself when working as a nurse (for example need to work 33 hours/wk scheduled, hired 1 person for 4X8hours/wk (32 hr) and 1 for 3X8hr/wk (16)=7 days covered with
no benefits)