NRF lashes out against Wal-Mart

The retail industry's largest trade group is rallying imembers against the world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart Stores, for supporting a federal mandate for employer-funded health insurance. The WA-based National Retail Federation sent a letter to 2,500 members, which range from mom & pop stores to big chains, to fight Wal-Mart's stance, publicized in a letter sent to President Obama late last month. Wal-Mart, long a poster child for bad corporate behavior, improved the health benefits it offers works & pushing for a voice in the health care debate. But its support for mandated coverage surprised the industry since the proposal is in lockstep with unions. "The retail sector isn't ready to fit into a box Wal-Mart has made," said Neil Trautwein, VP at NRF. The nation's current health care plan needs to be fixed, but NRF has adamantly opposed employer mandate, he said. "Although the move may provide a short-term public relations boost to Wal-Mart, it can have long-lasting,devastating consequences to retailers through the U.S," Tracy Mullin, NRF's president & CEO, said. "We cam stand idly by & allow Wal-Mart to tip the scales on the health care debate, cower & release an innocuous statement that would neither support nor condemn their decision or stand up for all retailers & come out swinging." NRF says an employer mandate would burden retailers with more costs during the most challenging time the industry has faced in decades & lead many stores to cut their payrolls or close. Another possibility would be that stores would have to raise prices to offset costs, but Trautwein believes that won't happen given consumer spending funk. NRF is the primary voice for the retail industry, that includes1.6M businesses. Wal-Mart -- not a member of NRF -- has been one of the industry's few bright spots, benefiting from financially squeezed shoppers switching to cheaper shopping options in the recession. Wal-Mart called the retailer's stance "a pro-business position & right thing to do for the company." The present health care system is not sustainable, & status quo is not an option," he said, adding it