CNN Confronts Walmart Spokesperson Over Retailer’s Low Wages, Poor Working Conditions

As Walmart workers across the country coordinate a Black Friday walkout in an effort to build awareness about the national retailer's low wages and poor working conditions, the company is on a media offensive to downplay their associates' concerns and reassure shoppers.

During an appearance on CNN Tuesday morning, Vice President of Communications David Tovar sought to brush aside the fact that Walmart is paying its associates salaries that are just slightly above the poverty line, even as the company reported a 9 percent increase in third-quarter net income, earning $3.63 billion. He insisted that the company has "got great associates" who are "going to do a great job for us this holiday season."

But when host Carol Costello pressed Tovar on the growing wealth gap in America and Walmart's role in insuring a robust middle class, he dodged the question, but not before suggesting that the store offers associates a discount to buy Walmart products (and invest their pay checks back into the company):

rest at http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/11/20/1221081/cnn-confronts-wal-mart-spokesperson-over-retailers-low-salaries-poor-working-conditions/