The Walmartian Economy

Almost out of the blue, Walmart issued a declaration it would be raising wages for at least 500,000 employees.  Immediately, TJ Maxx and several other large, low wage retailers announced similar plans.  The conventional wisdom and most republicans have not weighed in on this development, but you would think these "big box" retailers would be in for a scolding.  After all, the economy is certainly not markedly better than it was a year ago, at least by most people's reckoning.  But then again, maybe it is.  Jobs at Walmart are among the worst in the country.  Crazy schedules, low pay and irregular hours should lead to low morale and high turnover.  Sure enough, that is what happens when you treat human beings like disposables.  Judging by Walmart's past behavior, the only reason for a wage increase is management is feeling the pressure caused by lower productivity and has decided it is in the company's interest to make conditions better.  The fact millions of people have agitated for a raise in the minimum wage for years would seem to have no weight.  Where are the chorus of doomsayers predicting mass unemployment?  The problem of inequality has still not been addressed, but at least the conversation has started.