The gap between rich and poor is well illustrated by the large multi-billion-dollar corporations employing thousands of low-wage workers. Not only are many of these companies now hitting record profits, but their executive pay remains spectacularly high. The current federal minimum wage the workers are often paid, is worth 30% less than it was in 1968 in terms of purchasing power. In addition to low wages, many of these companies have a history of poor labor relations that extends beyond underpaying their employees. Long hours, unsafe or unpleasant working conditions, limited benefits and restricting access to full-time work, often accompany minimum wage jobs in many of these companies. Many used the downturn to explain reductions in employee benefits, long hours, and continued low pay. However, the recession is over for a majority of minimum-wage employers. Nine of the 12 companies on this list have been profitable for the past three years. Of these 12 companies, a full ten had higher revenue compared to 2010. Despite this fact, improvements in employee benefits or an increase in pay have not materialized for workers at most of the companies on the list.
These are the companies paying Americans the least.
1. Wal-Mart Stores
U.S. workforce: 1,400,000
CEO compensation: $18,131,738
Revenue: $446.95 billion
Net income: $15.70 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 3,868
The labor practices of Wal-Mart Stores have long received negative attention in the press, but that has not affected investors much. WMT’s share price rose more than 48% in the past five years. In 2008, Walmart agreed to pay $640 million in settlements of dozens of class-action lawsuits that claimed the company deprived workers of pay for time worked. In October a class action lawsuit was filed in a Chicago federal court alleging that the retailer had violated minimum wage and overtime laws. Walmart workers have begun to strike, and some plan to walk off the job on Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year. Walmart has filed an unfair-labor-practice complaint against the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union to prevent this from happening.
2. Yum! Brands
U.S. workforce: 880,330
CEO compensation: $20,411,852
Revenue: $12.63 billion
Net income: $1.33 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 16,006
Because Yum! Brands, the operator of the Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC chains, is one of the biggest employers of low wage workers, it takes benefits seriously. According to watchdog group Center for Media and Democracy, the fast food giant co-chaired the labor and business regulation subcommittee of the American Legislative Exchange Council, a "corporate-funded bill mill" that encourages laws that benefits its corporate members. At a 2011 meeting, attendees considered model bills designed to override paid sick leave legislation in the states. In 2012, following negative press over ALEC initiatives and the departure of McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Yum! Brands became one of several large companies to abandon the council.
3. McDonald’s
U.S. workforce: 859,978
CEO compensation: $4,073,748
Revenue: $27.01 billion
Net income: $5.50 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 14,098
McDonald’s is the king of fast-food, with revenue greater than any other restaurant operator on this list, and far more locations as well. The company’s website offers a long list of awards and recognition for the diversity of its workplace. But even McDonald’s is not immune to economic pressures. The company just reported its first monthly drop in global revenue at locations open more than a year, down 1.8% in October. McDonald’s USA president, Jan Fields was subsequently ousted to be replaced by Jeff Stratton, who is currently global chief restaurant officer.
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4. Target
U.S. workforce: 365,000
CEO compensation: $19,707,107
Revenue: $69.87 billion
Net income: $2.93 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 1,763
Shortly after competitor Wal-Mart announced that it would open its doors for Black Friday shoppers at 8 p.m. Thursday, Target then said that it would also open its doors Thursday night. Employees were not thrilled by the news. One California-based Target worker drafted a petition calling on Target to "save Thanksgiving" and stick to its Friday opening time. More than 220,000 people have signed the petition. Target insists that it took employees into consideration before making the decision to open early. One executive said, "We had so many team members who wanted to work on Thursday that hundreds of our stores are now keeping lists of volunteers who want to work if shifts open up."
5. Sears Holdings
U.S. workforce: 264,000
CEO compensation: $9,932,924
Revenue: $41.57 billion
Net income: -$3.11 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 3,510
Many companies like to tout how important their employees are, and Sears Holdings is no different. "Our associates are at the heart of our company and we value teamwork, integrity, and positive energy," says the company’s website. Unfortunately for the employees, the operator of Sears and Kmart has struggled in recent years, as evidenced by its recent massive $3.11 billion net loss, despite having revenue of $41.6 billion. In addition, similar to Walmart and Target, Sears and Kmart stores will be open on Thanksgiving for early Black Friday shopping, meaning the employees will have to work this holiday. Sears said it expects holiday hiring to be about the same as a year ago, while Walmart, Toys"R"Us and other retailers increased their seasonal hires.
6. Burger King
U.S. workforce: 191,815
CEO compensation: $4,015,619
Revenue: $2.33 billion
Net income: $107.0 million
No. of U.S. stores: 7,453
In August, representatives of Burger King Holdings Inc., Subway and McDonald’s went to Washington to complain to lawmakers about the Affordable Care Act. Steen Wiborg, president of Burger King in North America, told The Wall Street Journal that “Many of our franchisees will struggle with how to reconcile the financial implications … and will likely take other measures to reduce costs.” Burger King, which had revenue of $2.3 billion last year, currently offers a limited benefit plan, which it describes as “the red carpet treatment” and that is also unpopular with its workers.
7. Starbucks
U.S. workforce: 176,533
CEO compensation: $16,079,480
Revenue: $13.30 billion
Net income: $1.38 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 12,903
Unlike other companies on the list, some of Starbucks Corp.’s workers are represented by a union. The Starbucks Workers Union has argued that the company has cut benefits and stagnated salaries while reporting record profits. Of course, on its website the company claims that it is dedicated to “earning the trust and respect of our customer, partners and neighbours” by “being responsible and doing things that are good for the planet and each other.”
8. DineEquity
U.S. workforce: 173,350
CEO compensation: $5,392,402
Revenue: $1.08 billion
Net income: $75.2 million
No. of U.S. stores: 3,569
DineEquity Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s and IHOP, has more employees and more stores than Darden, a similar company compared to others on the list. Yet the top level compensation at DineEquity is $5.39 million compared to $8.04 million at Darden. DineEquity’s $1.08 billion revenue was less than Darden’s as well. In recent news, Zane Tankel, who owns 40 Applebee’s franchises in the New York metropolitan area, has raised the ire of Applebee’s employees and customers when he said he would freeze hiring and would consider cutting current employee hours due to passage the Affordable Care Act. DineEquity has distanced itself from the comments.
9. Macy’s
U.S. workforce: 171,000
CEO compensation: $17,650,702
Revenue: $26.41 billion
Net income: $1.26 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 842
Unlike many of the companies on the list, some of Macy’s workers are members of a union and they have achieved several concessions from the company. Specifically, next spring, senior members of the retail unions at New York City’s Bloomingdales and Macy’s will be able to choose their preferred hours of work by setting their own schedules and vacation time. According to UPI, “these gains … are in contrast to the scheduling uncertainties rampant in an increasingly ‘just in time’ work force.” While workers count this as a small victory, only 4% of Macy’s and Bloomingdales’ combined 171,000 employees are members of a union.
10. Wendy’s
U.S. workforce: 168,672
CEO compensation: $16,537,725
Revenue: $2.13 billion
Net income: $12.9 million
No. of U.S. stores: 6,594
The Wendy’s Company efforts to remake itself appear to be paying off. Same-store sales have risen for six straight quarters, and the company tries to sidle away from the traditional fast-food category toward the fast-casual arena occupied by the likes of Panera Bread Co. and Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. Investors have been rewarded with a recent boost to the quarterly dividend to $0.04 per share from $0.02 per share, though shares have been largely range-bound between $4 and $5 for almost four years. It remains to be seen whether Wendy’s employees will benefit from the recent success. It’s interesting to note that the top compensation package at Wendy’s is greater than those at McDonald’s or Starbucks.
11. Darden Restaurants
U.S. workforce: 165,475
Highest compensation: $8,480,148
Revenue: $8.00 billion
Net income: $475.5 million
No. of U.S. stores: 1,994
A lawsuit filed in September charged Darden Restaurants, Inc. with violating federal labor laws by underpaying thousands of servers across the country at its Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and Red Lobster chains. The action represented employees who who worked for the company going back to Aug. 2009 and sought millions of dollars in back wages and other compensation. “We’re seeking not only to correct the wrongs that have occurred at Darden, but hopefully this will stimulate change across the country,” said a lead attorney in the case. While the compensation of CEO Clarence Otis Jr. did drop from $8.48 million in 2011 to $8.08 million in 2012, that cannot be much comfort to those at the bottom of the pay scale at Darden.
12. J.C. Penney
U.S. workforce: 159,000
Highest compensation: $53,281,505
Revenue: $17.26 billion
Net income: -$152 million
No. of U.S. stores: 1,102
J.C. Penney Company, Inc is poor example of a low-wage employer that has rebounded from the recession stronger than ever. So far, Penney’s attempts at a turnaround have failed, and it is struggling just to stay afloat. The retailer has posted a big third-quarter loss, its shares tanked and Standard & Poor’s lowered its credit rating deeper into junk status. If J.C. Penney cannot get some traction during the holiday season, employees no doubt will face more layoffs. It would not surprise many analysts if the retailer went the way of Woolworth’s and Montgomery Ward.
From here
These are the companies paying Americans the least.
1. Wal-Mart Stores
U.S. workforce: 1,400,000
CEO compensation: $18,131,738
Revenue: $446.95 billion
Net income: $15.70 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 3,868
The labor practices of Wal-Mart Stores have long received negative attention in the press, but that has not affected investors much. WMT’s share price rose more than 48% in the past five years. In 2008, Walmart agreed to pay $640 million in settlements of dozens of class-action lawsuits that claimed the company deprived workers of pay for time worked. In October a class action lawsuit was filed in a Chicago federal court alleging that the retailer had violated minimum wage and overtime laws. Walmart workers have begun to strike, and some plan to walk off the job on Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year. Walmart has filed an unfair-labor-practice complaint against the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union to prevent this from happening.
2. Yum! Brands
U.S. workforce: 880,330
CEO compensation: $20,411,852
Revenue: $12.63 billion
Net income: $1.33 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 16,006
Because Yum! Brands, the operator of the Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC chains, is one of the biggest employers of low wage workers, it takes benefits seriously. According to watchdog group Center for Media and Democracy, the fast food giant co-chaired the labor and business regulation subcommittee of the American Legislative Exchange Council, a "corporate-funded bill mill" that encourages laws that benefits its corporate members. At a 2011 meeting, attendees considered model bills designed to override paid sick leave legislation in the states. In 2012, following negative press over ALEC initiatives and the departure of McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Yum! Brands became one of several large companies to abandon the council.
3. McDonald’s
U.S. workforce: 859,978
CEO compensation: $4,073,748
Revenue: $27.01 billion
Net income: $5.50 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 14,098
McDonald’s is the king of fast-food, with revenue greater than any other restaurant operator on this list, and far more locations as well. The company’s website offers a long list of awards and recognition for the diversity of its workplace. But even McDonald’s is not immune to economic pressures. The company just reported its first monthly drop in global revenue at locations open more than a year, down 1.8% in October. McDonald’s USA president, Jan Fields was subsequently ousted to be replaced by Jeff Stratton, who is currently global chief restaurant officer.
See the rest -->
4. Target
U.S. workforce: 365,000
CEO compensation: $19,707,107
Revenue: $69.87 billion
Net income: $2.93 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 1,763
Shortly after competitor Wal-Mart announced that it would open its doors for Black Friday shoppers at 8 p.m. Thursday, Target then said that it would also open its doors Thursday night. Employees were not thrilled by the news. One California-based Target worker drafted a petition calling on Target to "save Thanksgiving" and stick to its Friday opening time. More than 220,000 people have signed the petition. Target insists that it took employees into consideration before making the decision to open early. One executive said, "We had so many team members who wanted to work on Thursday that hundreds of our stores are now keeping lists of volunteers who want to work if shifts open up."
5. Sears Holdings
U.S. workforce: 264,000
CEO compensation: $9,932,924
Revenue: $41.57 billion
Net income: -$3.11 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 3,510
Many companies like to tout how important their employees are, and Sears Holdings is no different. "Our associates are at the heart of our company and we value teamwork, integrity, and positive energy," says the company’s website. Unfortunately for the employees, the operator of Sears and Kmart has struggled in recent years, as evidenced by its recent massive $3.11 billion net loss, despite having revenue of $41.6 billion. In addition, similar to Walmart and Target, Sears and Kmart stores will be open on Thanksgiving for early Black Friday shopping, meaning the employees will have to work this holiday. Sears said it expects holiday hiring to be about the same as a year ago, while Walmart, Toys"R"Us and other retailers increased their seasonal hires.
6. Burger King
U.S. workforce: 191,815
CEO compensation: $4,015,619
Revenue: $2.33 billion
Net income: $107.0 million
No. of U.S. stores: 7,453
In August, representatives of Burger King Holdings Inc., Subway and McDonald’s went to Washington to complain to lawmakers about the Affordable Care Act. Steen Wiborg, president of Burger King in North America, told The Wall Street Journal that “Many of our franchisees will struggle with how to reconcile the financial implications … and will likely take other measures to reduce costs.” Burger King, which had revenue of $2.3 billion last year, currently offers a limited benefit plan, which it describes as “the red carpet treatment” and that is also unpopular with its workers.
7. Starbucks
U.S. workforce: 176,533
CEO compensation: $16,079,480
Revenue: $13.30 billion
Net income: $1.38 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 12,903
Unlike other companies on the list, some of Starbucks Corp.’s workers are represented by a union. The Starbucks Workers Union has argued that the company has cut benefits and stagnated salaries while reporting record profits. Of course, on its website the company claims that it is dedicated to “earning the trust and respect of our customer, partners and neighbours” by “being responsible and doing things that are good for the planet and each other.”
8. DineEquity
U.S. workforce: 173,350
CEO compensation: $5,392,402
Revenue: $1.08 billion
Net income: $75.2 million
No. of U.S. stores: 3,569
DineEquity Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s and IHOP, has more employees and more stores than Darden, a similar company compared to others on the list. Yet the top level compensation at DineEquity is $5.39 million compared to $8.04 million at Darden. DineEquity’s $1.08 billion revenue was less than Darden’s as well. In recent news, Zane Tankel, who owns 40 Applebee’s franchises in the New York metropolitan area, has raised the ire of Applebee’s employees and customers when he said he would freeze hiring and would consider cutting current employee hours due to passage the Affordable Care Act. DineEquity has distanced itself from the comments.
9. Macy’s
U.S. workforce: 171,000
CEO compensation: $17,650,702
Revenue: $26.41 billion
Net income: $1.26 billion
No. of U.S. stores: 842
Unlike many of the companies on the list, some of Macy’s workers are members of a union and they have achieved several concessions from the company. Specifically, next spring, senior members of the retail unions at New York City’s Bloomingdales and Macy’s will be able to choose their preferred hours of work by setting their own schedules and vacation time. According to UPI, “these gains … are in contrast to the scheduling uncertainties rampant in an increasingly ‘just in time’ work force.” While workers count this as a small victory, only 4% of Macy’s and Bloomingdales’ combined 171,000 employees are members of a union.
10. Wendy’s
U.S. workforce: 168,672
CEO compensation: $16,537,725
Revenue: $2.13 billion
Net income: $12.9 million
No. of U.S. stores: 6,594
The Wendy’s Company efforts to remake itself appear to be paying off. Same-store sales have risen for six straight quarters, and the company tries to sidle away from the traditional fast-food category toward the fast-casual arena occupied by the likes of Panera Bread Co. and Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. Investors have been rewarded with a recent boost to the quarterly dividend to $0.04 per share from $0.02 per share, though shares have been largely range-bound between $4 and $5 for almost four years. It remains to be seen whether Wendy’s employees will benefit from the recent success. It’s interesting to note that the top compensation package at Wendy’s is greater than those at McDonald’s or Starbucks.
11. Darden Restaurants
U.S. workforce: 165,475
Highest compensation: $8,480,148
Revenue: $8.00 billion
Net income: $475.5 million
No. of U.S. stores: 1,994
A lawsuit filed in September charged Darden Restaurants, Inc. with violating federal labor laws by underpaying thousands of servers across the country at its Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and Red Lobster chains. The action represented employees who who worked for the company going back to Aug. 2009 and sought millions of dollars in back wages and other compensation. “We’re seeking not only to correct the wrongs that have occurred at Darden, but hopefully this will stimulate change across the country,” said a lead attorney in the case. While the compensation of CEO Clarence Otis Jr. did drop from $8.48 million in 2011 to $8.08 million in 2012, that cannot be much comfort to those at the bottom of the pay scale at Darden.
12. J.C. Penney
U.S. workforce: 159,000
Highest compensation: $53,281,505
Revenue: $17.26 billion
Net income: -$152 million
No. of U.S. stores: 1,102
J.C. Penney Company, Inc is poor example of a low-wage employer that has rebounded from the recession stronger than ever. So far, Penney’s attempts at a turnaround have failed, and it is struggling just to stay afloat. The retailer has posted a big third-quarter loss, its shares tanked and Standard & Poor’s lowered its credit rating deeper into junk status. If J.C. Penney cannot get some traction during the holiday season, employees no doubt will face more layoffs. It would not surprise many analysts if the retailer went the way of Woolworth’s and Montgomery Ward.
From here
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