Walmart to raise wages, offer other incentives for associates

Walmart announced four initiatives to support its associates, including offering higher wages.
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Walmart's U.S.-based associates learned good news from John Furner, president and CEO. The company is investing in their future with four initiatives.

Furner said, "At Walmart, we know our people make the difference. That’s never been more true than today – your talent and dedication to your customers is helping them live better lives every day. And as you continue to focus on your customers, we’re focused on investing in you – our store associates – through higher wages and new opportunities to gain the skills to serve tomorrow’s customers and grow a career with Walmart. Today, I’m happy to share our latest steps to shape jobs at Walmart – four new ways we’re investing in you."

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Furner shared that starting next month, the company will begin investing in higher wages for associates. This includes a mixture of associates’ regular annual increases and targeted investments in starting rates for thousands of stores, "to ensure we have attractive pay in the markets we operate. We expect these raises will bring our U.S. average hourly wage to more than $17.50. They’ll be reflected in March 2 paychecks."

Furner added, "Second, we’re continuing to invest in associates who run our Auto Care Centers  Last fall we created a higher-paying ACC coach role. Now we’re introducing a higher-paying ACC team lead position and elevating the ACC tech position to a higher pay-band that reflects the special skills needed for the role and its importance to our business."

Furner also told associates that the company is adding new college degrees and certificates to its Live Better U education program. "These new options are focused on where our business is headed and will equip associates with skills to unlock new career opportunities. Both part-time and full-time associates can participate in LBU on their first day and we’ll pay 100% of the tuition and fees," he said.

Lastly, Furner said, "Fourth, we’re expanding our Associate-to-Driver Program, which pays for supply chain associates to earn their commercial driver's license and become a Walmart truck driver earning up to $110,000 in their first year. As we announced last week, this development program is now also available to store associates."

[Read more: Walmart, J&J Consumer Health and CareSource expand resources for Black mothers in Georgia]

Furner concluded, "We’re proud to continue investing in Walmart’s legacy by introducing new job opportunities and raising pay. No matter where you are in your journey, getting your start here can open doors – the first step into jobs that become careers and build better lives. Thank you for all you do to serve our customers and communities every day."

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