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Los Angeles Times Article Summary

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Introduction The article “Wal-Mart's raise underscores the poor condition of most low-wage workers,” by Michael Hiltzik, puts the wage increase into perspective. Due to the enactment of recent minimum wage laws, Wal-Mart decided to employ a strategy to strengthen its public image, while abiding by legislation. This article relates to human resources through wages, recruitment, and retention of workers.
Los Angeles Times The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper that covers issues across the nation. This newspaper has a very large circulation; therefore, it is very influential on public opinion. The Los Angeles Times takes a liberal stance and attempts to persuade readers towards a liberal viewpoint. The target demographic for this newspaper …show more content…

He reports on a variety of issues relative to business. For example, he has reported on offshoring, immigration law, and labor unions. He is a progressive thinker and very opinionated in his articles. Hiltzik usually takes a liberal standpoint in his articles.
Why now? This article was written on February 19, 2015 because of Wal-Mart’s announcement of raising wages. This announcement comes after the enactment of a higher wage legislation in nine states (Hiltzik, 2015). This meant that Wal-Mart has to increase the wages in these states. Therefore, it was an advantageous publicity stunt for Wal-Mart to increase wages during this time. Moreover, there has been ongoing public debate on Wal-Mart employment conditions. The announcement of a wage increase creates goodwill amongst the community and Wal-Mart.
Article Critique
Hiltzik claims that Wal-Mart’s wage increase is a publicity stunt to establish goodwill in the community and employees. The article uses numerical evidence to support its claim that Wal-Mart’s wage increase announcement is a façade of goodwill. The evidence shows that Wal-Mart has been paying current employees a paltry wage that leaves many individuals in poverty. Current Wal-Mart wages have significantly lower purchasing power compared to its mid 1900s counterparts (Hiltzik,

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