Wal Mart increases starting wage

[John V]

The layoffs make the wage hike pretty meaningless.

Not at all. You're ignoring the fact that they can close stores without giving other employees raises and bonuses.

Again, not saying they are "connected" but they are both employment related.

Do you always talk out of both sides of your mouth like this? If you acknowledge that they're not connected, then stop pretending like they are connected.

The problem is, WalMart has a history of starting up multiple stores in some areas, driving out local businesses, and then closing down stores to leave one store. It's great for business I'm sure, but not so good for employees.

And if that's true, it still has nothing to do with giving remaining employees bonuses and raises.