Six major retail chains joined Walmart in urging D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray to veto a bill that imposes a higher minimum wage on big box stores.
Executives from Home Depot, Target, Macy's, Walgreens, Lowes and Autozone signed a letter to Gray. They warned the bill could affect their own business decisions in the District.
Veteran local columnist Roger Lewis of The Washington Post said low wages are a worry, but D.C. needs more retail and jobs.
"I really don’t think this makes sense as public policy to ask just big box retailers to pay an amount that no else is being asked to pay," he said.
Walmart is threatening to abandon its six stores in the District if the $12.50 cents wage law goes into effect.
Sources have told News44 Gray will veto the measure when it gets to his desk.
