Pay raises a key aspect of overall commitment to help workers move beyond entry-level jobs.
As part of Walmart’s additional $1 billion investment in its workers this year, Walmart is giving pay raises to 34,244 associates in Florida for the pay period starting April 4.
With the raises, associates earn at least $1.75 an hour above the federal minimum wage and at least $.95 an hour above Florida’s minimum wage. The new full-time average hourly wage in Florida is now $13.12.
This is the first company-wide increase in wages since its announcement in February to provide even more opportunity for its workers. As of April 4, all Walmart associates earn at least $9 per hour and by February 2016 all current associates will earn at least $10 per hour. Walmart is also raising the floor and ceiling of its in-store pay bands in most stores and is providing raises to associates earning at the maximum of their pay band.
Starting wages are just one part of Walmart’s commitment to providing associates with clearer career opportunities. Through its Opportunity initiative, Walmart is opening doors for existing and new associates by providing increased scheduling flexibility and control, and new training opportunities for continued growth and advancement beyond entry-level jobs.
“Walmart doesn’t look to me as just an associate but someone they value. There’s a lot of opportunity here,” said Christopher Rondon, CSM associate at Walmart store 955 in Apopka. “My main goal is to work not only at the store level but also on a corporate level, and I see the possibility of that happening with this wage increase.”
Walmart is acting purposefully on wages all along the opportunity ladder. For example, the company is reexamining the department manager roles and will raise the starting wage for some of them to at least $13/hour this summer and at least $15/hour early next year. As part of the company’s commitment to associate success, Walmart is also implementing comprehensive changes to its hiring, training, compensation, and scheduling programs, as well as its store structure.
“I applaud Walmart for taking such a proactive stance on wages,” said Orange County District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke. “As one of Central Florida’s largest employers, Walmart’s wage increase will positively impact the community in which we live, work and play, and potentially influence other companies across Central Florida to do the same.”
Walmart associates from Florida and around the country will have greater choice in their work scheduling to better fit their individual needs. To ensure consistency, some associates will have access to fixed schedules that will not change for at least six months. Associates also will have the option to pick their own shifts or continue to be scheduled systematically based on their availability.
Associates will also be introduced to a new development and training program developed by Walmart workers that allows them to improve and build the skills necessary to grow and enhance their careers. The goal of Walmart’s transformation effort is to set the stage for future associates and showcase the unique ways Walmart offers appropriate onboarding and training. Robust onboarding and training programs are essential for associates and their careers, ensuring a greater chance for promotions and other advancements.
