When Wal-Mart first entered the supermarket business in 1962, it was already at a disadvantage as the industry at that time was already dominated by established and highly 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, for a total of 888 supercenters. (Fisherman) At that point, Wal-Mart became the number one food retailer in the nation. What took Wal-Mart from a fledgling grocery market to become a globally dominant supercenter? The answer lies in the prices, which are generally 15% lower than those of the competition. (Fisherman) For this very reason, Wal-mart has changed the lives of many, including the spending habits of shoppers and the working environments of workers abroad who produce these low-priced products. While Wal-mart's slogan "Save Money, Live Better" appeals to many customers, their actions are taking a toll on overseas factory workers as many are forced to work without proper benefits and safety standards. One of the many reasons why Wal-mart -mart is able to produce low-cost products due to the ridiculously low wages and long hours given to overseas workers. They receive little or no benefits, breaks or vacations. Their working hours generally start before 8:00 am. and lasts until 11pm, seven days a week and they only have ten days off a year (185). In “The Wal-mart Effect” Robina Akther, a sixteen-year-old factory worker in Dhaka, reveals that she earns only 13 cents an hour for fourteen hours a day, or about $26.98 a month (185). Akther also said, “I clean… half the paper… and products. These injuries often go unreported because workers are afraid of being fired or punished and simply can't afford to lose their jobs. Furthermore, most workers do not have the money to afford medical care and, as a result, most do not treat their problems or go into debt in an attempt to pay for medical care. Once again, Walmart has shown that it does not care about worker safety, both by providing workers with insufficient safety equipment and by blocking fire escapes to prevent workers from taking breaks. One reason is local labor laws which are unique. to each country, such as minimum wage and safety standards, allow factories to continue to operate below international standards. Furthermore, many factories operate under the table. Safety reports are falsified or many things are not reported and underage workers are allowed to work.