I've worked in the retail sector. It's a tough way to make a living, and it's about to get tougher. The nation's largest employer, Wal-Mart, has announced it will eliminate health benefits for many of its part time employees. AP reports the retail giant will cut out health benefits for employees working fewer than 30 hours per week beginning January 1st. The company reported a 21% drop in 4th quarter earnings, and Sally Wellborn, senior vice president of benefits, said, "We had to make some tough decisions." Wal-Mart employs 1.4-million American workers and has been steadily reducing the number of employees eligible for health benefits in recent years. This most recent move is expected to affect about 30,000 employees.

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