The U.S. retail industry’s main lobby group vehemently came out against employer-mandated group health insurance, directly opposing Wal-Mart, who supports the proposal.
In a letter to members of the National Retail Federation, chief executive Tracy Mullin wrote, “Come out swinging, ” adding that, “To truly lead on the health care debate, it is imperative that businesses, associations and politicians take a stand where it counts and not shy away from deal-breakers like employer mandates, ” reported Reuters.
The NRF is the industry’s largest trade group, comprising 1.6 billion businesses. The group represents discount, department, specialty and independent stores along with chain restaurants and other outlets. Wal-Mart is the world’s largest retailer.
Wal-Mart “recognizes others may have a different opinion ” on the employer mandate, spokesman Greg Rossiter said. “We know we have taken a pro-business position, and that’s the right thing to do for our company. The present system isn’t sustainable. ”
The National Retail Federation wasn’t the only group that expressed opposition to Wal-Mart’s position. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union, which has unsuccessfully tried to organize Wal-Mart workers, sent a letter to the White House raising questions about the company’s position.
Steve Pfister, the NRF’s Senior Vice President for Government Relations, declared, “Employer mandates of any kind amount to a tax on jobs, ” adding that, “We cannot afford to have new and existing jobs priced out of our collective reach because of mandated health coverage. ”
While many of the details of health reform are for Congress to duke out, the president has voiced his openness to requiring larger companies to provide coverage for employees but exempting smaller businesses.