Walmart to Raise Hourly Wage to $9 for Half-Million Employees
by February 19, 2015 3:14 pm 131 views
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. of Bentonville on Thursday announced it will raise entry-level wages to $9 per hour, resulting in what the retailer says will be a pay raise for about 500,000 staff members.
The pay rate change is set for April, with a goal to raise all U.S. employees’ wages to $10 an hour by early 2016, according to a press release from Walmart.
The company also will raise the earning potential for some of its more senior, in-store positions, according to the press release.
The announcement comes amid ongoing controversy over whether Walmart’s wages are too low.
“Our critics have had a lot to say about the quality of the jobs we offer but Walmart has long been a place where people can start in an entry-level position and build a career,” the press release reads. “Today, we have strengthened our company’s commitment to associate opportunity and announced a comprehensive series of initiatives to help associates earn higher pay and advance their careers based on the skills they learn and the customer service they provide.”
Also, Walmart starting in 2016 plans to allow fixed schedules for some employees and will provide training that will create clear career paths for those looking to climb the corporate ladder, according to the press release.
In addition, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation will commit $100 million over five years to funding the training of workers outside the company in career paths in or related to retail.