I don’t think Wal-Mart would be able to get away with this. There would be too much backlash. USAToday: Circuit City to fire 3,400 workers, will hire lower-cost replacements — Circuit City Stores’ decision to lay off 3,400 employees in order to hire lower-paid replacements is raising questions about the impact of severe cost-cutting on employee morale. and Washington Post: Circuit City Cuts 3,400 ‘Overpaid’ Workers — Circuit City fired 3,400 employees in stores across the country yesterday, saying they were making too much money and would be replaced by new hires willing to work for less.