In 1986, a part-time employee started at $5.84 of which it dropped to $4.50 in 1987. What Loblaws was experiencing when they dropped the minium wage was continious turnover of employees. Seeing what was happening, the company quickly brought the wage back up to $5.84. We would get a raise every 6 months automatically, without putting in the ridiculious hours now. What happened to the vision of this company? Yes, I understand profit and I understand the company is competing against companies like Wal-mart. However, you cannot compare yourself to Wal-mart. I know many people that will spend the extra few dollars at Loblaws because of the dedicated service that loblaws employees would provide. Many of us dedicated employees are still around, however, when the new Great Banner takes over all the stores, the dedicated employees will be few. The employees that work in the front end have continious messages in their desk and the podium that they need to smile, say hello and thank you. Wow, we also need to be trained on how to greet customers. If this is the case, there is something wrong with the way this company's vision is going! When employees are not happy, it will show in the service that they provide. It is very simple. Low moral, no smile, no incentive to give it your best. Remember, the employees are the companies greatest assest. Lose that and you lose your investment.