When Wal-Mart first entered the supermarket industry in 1962, they were already at a disadvantage because at that time the industry was already dominated by well-established and very experienced national chains such as Albertsons and Safeway. . However, in just ten years, Wal-Mart opened an average of seven supermarkets per month for 120 consecutive months, with a total of 888 supercenters. (Fisherman) By this time, Wal-Mart had become the nation's leading food retailer. What led Wal-Mart from a fledgling grocery market to become a globally dominant supercenter? The answer lies in their prices, which are typically 15% lower than their competitors. (Fisherman) It is precisely for this reason that Wal-Mart has changed the lives of many people, including the spending habits of shoppers and the working environment of workers in overseas factories that make these low-cost products. price. Although Wal-Mart's slogan "Save Money, Live Better" appeals to many customers, their actions place a burden on overseas factory workers, as many are forced to work without benefit from appropriate social benefits and safety regulations. One of the many reasons Wal-Mart is able to produce cheap products is the ridiculously low wages and long hours afforded to overseas workers. They receive few or no benefits, breaks or vacations. Their working hours usually start before 8 a.m. and lasts until 11 p.m., seven days a week and they only have ten days off per year (185). In "The Wal-Mart Effect," Robina Akther, a sixteen-year-old seamstress working in a Dhaka factory, reveals that she earns only 13 cents an hour for fourteen hours a day, or about $26.98 per month (185). Akther also mentioned: “I clean...... middle of paper...... and products. These injuries often go unreported because workers are afraid of being fired or punished and simply cannot afford to lose their jobs. Additionally, most factory workers do not have the money to afford medical care and, as a result, most go untreated or go into debt to try to pay for medical care. Once again, it appears that Wal-Mart does not care about worker safety, from providing them with insufficient safety equipment to blocking emergency exits to prevent workers from taking breaks . One of the reasons for this is the unique local labor laws. to each country, such as minimum wages and safety standards, allow factories to continue operating below international standards. In addition, many factories operate illegally. Safety reports are falsified or many things are not reported, and underage workers are allowed to work.