The proposal to change commissary workers' status. Is this a necessary change?

2015-04-26T07:01:44-04:00

http://www.federaltimes.com/story/military/benefits/on-base/2015/04/23/proposal-to-change-commissary-workers-status/70493400/

Proposal to change commissary workers' status

'Walmartizing' commissaries would be at expense of employees

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 8:01 AM

2015-04-26T08:01:45-04:00

The commissaries serve a good purpose for junior Service Members that live on post and don't make a lot of money, the savings is minimal but it is convenient. The quality of food is comparable to the money you save, poor cuts of meat, poor deli selection, poor bakery facilities, etc.

I would like to see the whole system revamped and modernized...or just get rid of it all together.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 26 at 2015 8:20 AM

2015-04-26T08:20:05-04:00

Maybe this is just one more reason the two should be combined. Stateside there really isn't much of a savings with the types of stores available. What's left is the prices of overseas things. One of the biggest factors in this is the ever changing dollar which effects entitlements paid out. I also agree with CSM Oldsen the convenient access of on post must be considered.

I wonder what would happen if it was turned over to a quality business to run?

Response by Lt Col Fred Marheine, PMP made Apr 26 at 2015 10:02 AM

2015-04-26T10:02:09-04:00

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad you ask whether it is a "necessary change" - I would respond with, "Absolutely - we (DoD) have got to find efficiencies wherever possible, although this particular change smells of a bit of a 'cop-out' in terms of making changes to the commissary system."

As others have indicated, the on-post commissary has very specific value to the force (notably the most junior folks living in barracks or base housing), but that doesn't mean it should be a "jobs program" providing higher wages for the same work than fully commercial entities - hence, it makes sense to "Walmart-ize" wages. I'm befuddled by the union member who used the Walmart term as an epitaph - the most successful business on the planet, but we don't want to operate like them...incredible.

But again, I think this is the tip of the iceberg. The whole system needs to be get agile in light of the current conditions in which it operates.