Walmart Rolls-Out Higher Wages, Bonuses, and Expanded Family Benefits
INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES
As the nation’s largest private sector employer, Walmart understands how people make a difference. From greeting customers with a smile when they walk in the door, to helping customers locate that perfect item, Walmart associates personify the company’s mission every day.
Recognizing this impact, Walmart has enhanced their already strong commitment to associates across the United States by raising its minimum wage to $11 for hourly employees in the U.S., including those at Sam’s Club stores, more than 1 million associates in all. Also, one-time cash bonuses were announced for part-time and full-time workers valued up to $1,000, depending on the length of time an associate has been with the company.
The wage increases and bonuses, totaling more than $105 million, have earned a great deal of attention, but are only part of the story.
Walmart also bolstered its parental-leave plan and family adoption benefits for its associates across the country. These changes place Walmart as one of the leading companies in America when it comes to providing paid parental leave. Full-time hourly workers will receive 10 weeks of maternity leave at full pay and fathers and partners will be eligible to take up to six weeks.
Adoptive parents will be granted maternity leave and receive financial assistance for child adoption. This benefit will be available to full-time hourly and salaried associates, up to a total of $5,000 dollars per child. This money may be allocated towards agency fees and legal or court costs.
“We are building on investments we’ve been making in associates, in their wages and skills development,” said Doug McMillon, Walmart president and CEO.
“It’s our people who make the difference and we appreciate how they work hard to make every day easier for busy families.”