Pay raises a key aspect of overall commitment to help workers move beyond entry-level jobs

Company Website: http://corporate.walmart.com
BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- (Business Wire)

As part of Walmart’s additional $1 billion investment in its workers this year, Walmart is giving pay raises to 72,478 associates in Texas for the pay period starting April 4^th. With the raises, associates earn at least $1.75 an hour above the federal minimum wage and also $1.75 above Texas’ minimum wage. The new full-time average hourly wage in Texas is now $12.58.

“In my experience, Walmart is the greatest place to achieve anything,” said Zoe Rodriguez, a merchandise reconciliation associate at the new Walmart Neighborhood Market in Katy who will see her pay check go up by $2.65 per hour.

“After starting in January, I’ve already been promoted three times, from a cashier to customer service, customer service manager and now to a merchandise reconciliation associate. Now I will receive another pay raise from this announcement. As a single mother, Walmart is the only company that has ever invested in me and I feel motivated to invest back in them through my work ethic,” Rodriguez said.

This is the first company-wide increase in wages since its announcement in February to provide even more opportunity for its workers. As of April 4^th, all Walmart associates earn at least $9 per hour and by February 2016 all current associates will earn at least $10 per hour. Walmart is also raising the floor and ceiling of its in-store pay bands in most stores and is providing raises to associates earning at the maximum of their pay band.

“Walmart is one of the largest employers in the City of Dallas so this announcement will have a particularly big impact here locally as thousands of employees get raises,” said Dallas City Councilmember Jennifer Staubach Gates. “It is great to see such a large employer leading the way in investing in their employees. I look forward to having a new store open in my district later this year that will bring hundreds of new jobs to the community.”

Starting wages are just one part of Walmart’s commitment to providing associates with clearer career opportunities. Through its Opportunity initiative, Walmart is opening doors for existing and new associates by providing increased scheduling flexibility and control, and new training opportunities for continued growth and advancement beyond entry-level jobs.

“I have been with Walmart for almost 21 years and it’s exciting to see Walmart being the front-runner on such a big issue that impacts so many associates,” said Kathy Warren, Over the Counter Pharmacy Manager at Store 5823 in Dallas. “I am currently at the top of my pay band but now will get a raise thanks to this announcement. When management told us what was happening everyone started cheering and clapping; the buzz around our store was phenomenal. Walmart said our associates deserve more and they are really taking care of us. I am happy with my job and the pay I’m given. This announcement is just all around a positive thing for me and other associates.”

Walmart is acting purposefully on wages all along the opportunity ladder. For example, the company is reexamining the department manager roles and will raise the starting wage for some of them to at least $13/hour this summer and at least $15/hour early next year. As part of the company’s commitment to associate success, Walmart is also implementing comprehensive changes to its hiring, training, compensation, and scheduling programs, as well as its store structure.

“Walmart continues to provide pathways to careers for thousands of veterans and Texans alike. The recent wage announcement directly impacts the quality of life for their associates,” said Nory Angel, Executive Director and CEO for SER Jobs for Progress in Houston. “They've set an example for other companies by not only raising wages but also continuing to provide attainable career paths for hard-working Americans. Their actions as the world's largest retailer will not only affect Walmart associates, it has and will continue to spark conversations in companies across the nation.”

Walmart associates from Texas and around the country will have greater choice in their work scheduling to better fit their individual needs. To ensure consistency, some associates will have access to fixed schedules that will not change for at least six months. Associates also will have the option to pick their own shifts or continue to be scheduled systematically based on their availability.

“I am really excited to see Walmart taking this action,” said Keilah Lopez, a sales floor associate at the recently opened San Antonio Guilbeau/Tezel Walmart Neighborhood Market who will see her pay check go up by $1.40 per hour. “Aside from giving me a financial boost as I work towards my Psychology degree, it is going to bring a new wave of appreciative, hard-working associates. This is my first job and so far Walmart has proved they are a flexible and caring employer and as a working college student, looking to build a career, that is very meaningful.”

Associates will also be introduced to a new development and training program developed by Walmart workers that allows them to improve and build the skills necessary to grow and enhance their careers. The goal of Walmart’s transformation effort is to set the stage for future associates and showcase the unique ways Walmart offers appropriate onboarding and training. Robust onboarding and training programs are essential for associates and their careers, ensuring a greater chance for promotions and other advancements.

NOTE: 72,478 associates began earning the higher pay beginning with the April 4^th pay period; the first pay check to include the additional income will be delivered on April 23^rd.

About Walmart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere -- in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 245 million customers and members visit our 11,053 stores under 71 banners in 27 countries and ecommerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2014 sales of over $473 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

Contacts:

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Anne Hatfield, 1-800-331-0085
News.walmart.com/reporter

Source: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.