Wal-Mart Says It Won't Oppose Increase in Minimum Wage

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it wouldn’t oppose an increase in the federal minimum wage, its most explicit comment yet on the controversial debate to move past the $7.25-an-hour minimum.

“We are not opposed to minimum wage increase, unless its directed exclusively at us,” said Wal-Mart U.S. President Bill Simon, referring to an attempt by the District of Columbia city council to require big retailers to pay starting wages that are higher than Washington’s minimum wage.

The nation’s largest retailer with 1.3 million U.S. employees, “is not a minimum wage payer,” Mr. Simon said, noting that only about 5,000 employees currently make the minimum wage.