Walmart Expands Military Leave-of-Absence Policy

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is rolling out expansions to its military leave-of-absence policy, offering differential pay to all eligible military associates taking on assignments of more than three days and for the duration of leave, including basic training. The expansions, which go into effect June 24, mean that if an associate’s military salary is less than what they earn at Walmart, the company will pay them the difference while they’re on a military leave of absence.

The Bentonville, Ark.-based mega-retailer has offered differential pay since 2008. Last year, Walmart associates took more than 4,400 military leave of absences.

According to Walmart, it’s one of the first major retailers to apply differential pay to include basic training, Further, the company is working to simplify the internal process required to get differential pay.

“At Walmart, we’re turning jobs into fulfilling careers for veterans, active service members and their families, and we’re making it easier for them to work, live and serve,” said Brig. Gen. Gary Profit (Ret.), senior director of military programs for Walmart. “We believe that anyone who wants to serve in our armed forces should be able to do so without fear of losing wages or leaving their family in a lurch. The changes we’re making will remove financial barriers for all associates serving their country, including those who are starting their service journey through basic training.”

To date, Walmart hired more than 170,000 veterans since making its Veterans Welcome Home Commitment on Memorial Day 2013. The commitment guaranteed a job offer to any eligible, honorably discharged U.S. veteran who was within 12 months of active duty. Of those veteran hires, more than 22,000 have been promoted to positions with higher pay and greater responsibility.

The original aim was to hire 100,000 veterans by the end of 2018. In May 2015, Walmart widened that goal to hiring 250,000 veterans by the end of 2020. The company has also changed the eligibility from within 12 months of active duty to any veteran who has been honorably discharged since the commitment was made in May 2013.

Additionally, Walmart’s Military Family Promise guarantees a job at a nearby store or Sam’s Club for all military personnel and military spouses employed by Walmart and Sam’s Club who move to a different part of the country because they or their spouse have been transferred by the U.S. military. Walmart also takes part in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes Program, recruiting veterans through career fairs.

Further, the company is awarding a $100,000 grant to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the national organization that aids those grieving the death of a loved one serving in the Armed Forces.

Back in 2011, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation committed $20 million by 2015 to support programs that provide job training, transition help and education for veterans and their families. Upon the early completion of the commitment in May 2014, the commitment was renewed with an additional $20 million through 2019 to support job training, education and public-private community-based initiatives that address issues many veterans face on their return to civilian life.

Walmart operates 11,695 stores under 59 banners in 28 countries, and e-commerce websites in 11 countries.