Walmart announces raises for 425,000 associates

Walmart on Thursday announced that will it be raising the pay for 425,000 employees across the country.

The raise will boost wages to between $13-$19 an hour, depending on location, for 425,000 digital and stocking store associates on March 13, Walmart CEO and President John Furner said in a statement to employees.

Walmart is one of the few retailers that saw business growth last year, as many were negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Walmart had a little under $100 billion in sales in its fourth quarter and had 8.6 percent growth over the year.

Digital and stocking workers play a huge role in Walmart’s operations as online pickup and delivery rose last year due to many customers not wanting to enter a crowded store during a pandemic. 

At the beginning of the pandemic, restocking shelves became imperative for many stores as people kept buying essential items in bulk so the items quickly flew off the shelves as soon as they were put out. 

“We did a lot right last year, and our customers rewarded us,” Furner said.

Walmart, as the largest retailer in the world, led the way in coronavirus bonuses and pay for their employees.

“It follows other actions we took last year, including special COVID-19 bonuses, raising pay for 165,000 key leadership roles, and restructuring to a team-based model of working in our stores,” Furner said. “Whatever your role, know that we’ll continue to support and invest in you.”

Many retail and front-line employees have been arguing that their employer should be paying them hazard pay due to the increased risk they have of getting the coronavirus since they work directly with the public every day.