Wal-Mart says it will not open 3 stores if wage bill becomes law

The D.C. Council has passed the bill requiring large retail stores like Wal-Mart to pay workers at least $12.50 per hour, despite Wal-Mart’s threats to pull the plug on three planned stores if the bill becomes law.

The bill is now in the hands of Mayor Vincent Gray, who has not stated whether he will sign the legislation. The 8-5 vote was also short on the amount of votes needed to override a veto from the mayor.

In a statement, Wal-Mart says the Council has forced its hand. “We will not pursue Skyland, Capitol Gateway, and New York Avenue and will start to review the financial and legal implications on the three stores already under construction”.

Wal-Mart has already begun construction on the three stores, but will end it if the bill becomes law. The bill would apply to retailers with stores of $75,000 square feet or larger. No other city has passed legislation that only targets large retailers.