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September 13, 2013

D.C. Mayor Vetoes Living Wage Bill After Pressure from Wal-Mart, Other Retailers 
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Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray has vetoed a bill to provide retail
workers with a living wage following pressure from Wal-Mart and other
chains. The bill would have required large retailers to pay their
employees at least $12.50 an hour. Wal-Mart had threatened not to open
three out of six stores planned for the area if the measure was passed.
Mayor Gray called the bill a "job-killer," saying Target, Home Depot and
other retailers also objected. The D.C. City Council could still
override the mayor's veto. Wal-Mart workers have launched a series of
strikes recently to demand higher wages and better conditions.

 

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