Walmart to DC: We'll Jump Ship Over 'Living Wage'

Walmart officials and lobbyists made their presence felt in Washington yesterday, telling DC lawmakers that they'd pull the plug on at least three planned stores in the city if it went through with plans to pass a drastic (but conditional) minimum wage hike, the Washington Post reports. The bill, which is to be voted on today, would require non-union retailers with corporate sales of at least $1 billion to pay their workers at least $12.50 an hour.

The bill seems aimed squarely at Walmart, though it would apply to a few other retailers in the city too, including Home Depot, Costco, and Macy's. Walmart is planning to open six stores in DC, employing as many as 1,800, and the hardball tactic may be effective. Mayor Vincent Gray called the threat "immensely discouraging" and said it may make him veto the bill. (More Walmart stories.)