I write in response to the My View by Jonathan H. Westover (Aug 20): This article contains numerous invalid comparisons and errors of fact about Wal-Mart that Deseret Morning News readers should be aware of.
Among other things, Mr. Westover claims that Wal-Mart does not "value" its associates by asserting that we don't provide chairs or stools to those who may need them. In fact, according to a poll sponsored by Career and the Disabled Magazine last year, Wal-Mart was recognized as one of the top companies in the nation for providing a positive working environment for people with disabilities.
Contrary to other unsupported assertions by Mr. Westover, Wal-Mart associates receive competitive wages and benefits and opportunities for growth and advancement. In Utah, our average wage for full-time hourly associates is more than $10.25 an hour. We offer health insurance and a profit-sharing and 401(K) plan.
More than 75 percent of Wal-Mart store managers started out as hourly associates, and it is not uncommon when we open a new store to have thousands of applicants for a few hundred jobs.
William C. Wertz
Director of corporate affairs
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Denver