Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price (2005)

Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price is a 2005 documentary film directed by Robert Greenwald and produced by Brave New Films. The film delves into the practices of Walmart, the retail giant, shedding light on its impact on individuals, communities, and the environment.

The documentary presents a critical view of Walmart’s business practices through a combination of interviews, statistics, and footage. Former employees, small business owners, and even Walmart executives contribute to the narrative, revealing the darker side of the corporation:

1. Underpaid Workers: The documentary argues that Walmart pays its workers an average of $17,000 per year (in 2005 dollars), which is insufficient for them to afford the company’s health insurance. Instead, management advises employees to rely on government programs like Medicaid. Additionally, Walmart allegedly hires undocumented workers for their cleanup crews, paying them well below minimum wage.
2. Anti-Union Practices: Walmart’s anti-union stance comes under scrutiny. The film highlights the negative impact on mom-and-pop stores and small communities, as well as the company’s poor record on worker’s rights in the United States and internationally.
3. Environmental Concerns: The retail giant’s insufficient environmental protection policies are called into question. Scenes filmed abroad depict factory workers in Bangladesh and China producing Walmart goods for as little as 18 cents an hour.
4. High Crime Rates: The documentary suggests that Walmart’s parking lots have unusually high crime rates. Installing cameras outside the stores could significantly improve safety, but the company hesitates to invest in this measure.
5. Community Resistance: As the film concludes, it showcases several communities that have successfully blocked Walmart from opening in their towns. These efforts serve as inspiration for others to take a stand against the retail giant.

Critical acclaim surrounds Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price. With a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is described as “advocacy filmmaking at its most passionate and persuasive”. It compellingly reveals the trade-offs between Walmart’s low prices and the hidden costs borne by workers, communities, and the environment.