Suspicious! Closed Walmart Stores Haven't Sought Any Permits for Plumbing Work

Employees of a Walmart in Brandon that abruptly closed Monday were among more than 2,000 employees nationwide who learned almost simultaneously they were being laid off. In a nearly identical manner at every store, Walmart corporate officials visited the five locations, called an impromptu meeting in the back of the store and told employees that the stores would be closing that evening. Besides Brandon, the affected locations were in Pico Rivera, Calif., Livingston, Texas, Midland, Texas, Tulsa, Okla. We have learned that none of the five affected stores have sought any plumbing permits for future repairs. “We’re in a holding pattern. We’re anxious to learn exactly what they’re planning,” said Pico Rivera City Manager James Enriquez, when we contacted him about the store’s closing Tuesday. Enriquez says when Walmart notified the city Monday that it was closing the store, he offered his full support in trying to get it back open. “My building official walked out there and didn’t see any work being done,” he said. He said his office was unaware of any prior plumbing issues, but reached out to Walmart, offering to help with granting permits for work. “We needed to do what we could, since about 500 people are without jobs,” Enriquez said Walmart has not contacted his office about obtaining any permits. http://bit.ly/1HtWjcn