Walmart to give new employees pay increases sooner

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The labor market for workers appears to be improving.

Walmart confirmed to media outlets it will speed up the time it takes for new employees to complete a training program and subsequently increase their pay.

The retail two years ago implemented a $9 per-hour minimum wage and last year unveiled a six-month training program called Pathways. Once this program was completed, pay was increased to $10 per hour.

However, based upon feedback, Walmart will now shorten this salary increase wait time to 90 days. A company spokesperson told CNBC the change is being as new employees were able to master the aspects of the Pathways training course more quickly than expected.