Wal Mart increases starting wage

[John V]

Are you serious?

Yes. Companies close locations because those particular locations aren't profitable. It's generally done independently of overall wage policy. You're making a connection based on timing of announcements alone.

You asked me why it was a meaningless action. That's why, because they announced wage increases and at the same time fire a load of people.

Timing of announcements doesn't indicate a logical connection.

I get that layoffs can happen, but having layoffs at the same time as increasing pay for other workers sends a message that they can afford a wage increase, but apparently can't afford to keep people on.

Yes, and there's nothing wrong with that message. If they built stores in areas that can't sustain them, it doesn't make any business sense to keep them open just because they employ people.