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Post by imkat on Oct 15, 2016 17:44:54 GMT
I watched a documentary a few years ago about Walmart and haven't shopped there since. The documentary discussed low wages for employees, employees encouraged by HR to file for government assistance, union busting activities, poor managerial opportunities especially for women, unpredictable schedules, etc.
In 2015, they gave their employees a raise and have reported positive outcomes:
www.nytimes.com/2016/10/16/upshot/how-did-walmart-get-cleaner-stores-and-higher-sales-it-paid-its-people-more.html?_r=0
If you work there, have you seen an increase in wages, training, and job opportunities? Are you and/or your coworkers more satisfied?
If you shop there, have you noticed a difference in your experience? |
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AnotherPea
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,968 
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Post by AnotherPea on Oct 15, 2016 17:55:38 GMT
I shop there and I haven't noticed any difference in any of the stores I visit. Stores that are in more run-down locations are more run-down too. Stores in nicer parts of town are nicer. But then, none of the people I know that have worked there complained - they were always happy with the company.
FTR, any time I worked retail, I had unpredictable schedules. When I worked for two large corporations, unions were greatly discouraged. Part-time employment, especially in retail equaled low wages. When I worked for a university the school had social workers and lawyers come onto campus periodically to help students apply for different programs. Staff were encouraged to attend any that were applicable.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 1:54:14 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2016 18:16:36 GMT
I worked at WM from 2003 through 2007. Never understood the hate. The documentary is NOTHING like my experience.
As for workers filing for government assistance...... most young enlisted people in the military who are married are eligible for many welfare programs. No one skewers the federal government for paying low wages to the military. I currently work for a public university. A sizable segment of employees here are on public assistance. Target employees are paid no better than WM (the two keep a close eye on what each other is doing) If you are going to boycott wm over its employment issues you need to boycott the majority of retailers.
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Post by Linda on Oct 15, 2016 18:28:34 GMT
DS worked for WM before he enlisted - he really didn't have any complaints - he made ok money, worked hard, made fulltime and then got a promotion and then got a decent raise in 2015 when they raised the payscales. If he had stayed there, he would be on the management track.
He did say that, in general, the employess who complained the most about the lack of hours, lack of opportunity, and lack of raises were also the ones who did the bare minimum as far as effort and work went and made no attempts to better themselves.
Now that said - he also said that, at least in our community, WM was needed as an employer for those who didn't have skills/education or who needed part-time hours due to health or family circumstances - it filled a need.
[edited to add - he actually took a pay cut to enlist - and he went in as an E-3]
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Post by secondlife on Oct 15, 2016 18:30:47 GMT
My good friend and her husband both work at WM. They are refugees and it is a very good job for them, although it pays too little to live here.
They are both on fairly predictable schedules (now - they didn't always) which is helpful for childcare and the small raise they got last year has helped them immensely. They have both excelled and been promoted - one is being groomed for management. This is also benefiting them greatly.
I think they work hard to make profits for their store and should be paid a reasonable wage. I wish it was more because they still need state insurance and free lunch for their kids. But I am so damn proud of them both because they came here with nothing and are making a life for themselves. They are so grateful for their jobs. It has changed my perception of WM a lot, although I do wish they made more money.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Oct 15, 2016 21:33:55 GMT
I worked at WM from 2003 through 2007. Never understood the hate. The documentary is NOTHING like my experience. As for workers filing for government assistance...... most young enlisted people in the military who are married are eligible for many welfare programs. No one skewers the federal government for paying low wages to the military. I currently work for a public university. A sizable segment of employees here are on public assistance. Target employees are paid no better than WM (the two keep a close eye on what each other is doing) If you are going to boycott wm over its employment issues you need to boycott the majority of retailers. My sister is a cashier at WM and is very happy at her job. I think people just like being upset for ohers, it's almost like it's own sport now  |
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Post by refugeepea on Oct 15, 2016 21:49:10 GMT
My friend who is diabetic was a manager for several years. It got to be too much on her physical and mental health. She loved her job, but mostly physically, she needed something with predictable hours. There are also distribution centers in the U.S. and I know her husband has worked there for a long time. Overall, the complaints I've heard from Wal-Mart employees are no different than any one working retail.
Wal-Marts in my area are clean and well stocked. I've only been to one gross one in my state and that was several years ago. It was near a major university. When shopping, I go, get what I want, and leave. I rarely need help in a big box stores. It's not hard to find an employee if I do have a question.
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Post by lisae on Oct 15, 2016 22:26:01 GMT
My stepdaughter works as a cashier at Walmart on the weekends and summers. She's a teacher in her regular job. She likes her job at Walmart. They often have her training new hires. There were some issues with her schedule last summer but I really think it was as much her fault as theirs in this case. They were very good to let her off the summer before when her father-in-law passed away and she had to travel out of state for a week plus other time they spent visiting him during his illness. She started at $9 and I think starting pay is $10 now which in her area and around here is a good starting pay for this type of job.
I shop at Walmart and have sort of a like/dislike relationship with them. On the one hand, it is nice to do one stop shopping and the prices are good. On the other, it has put most every small store out of business so if they don't have what I want, I have to go to a larger town 20 miles away. I get frustrated that they don't keep things in stock though that has been better in the last year or so.
I get photos printed there because they are the only option for photo printing in my town. They do a good job and I particularly like their mail order printing.
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