Wal-Mart Raises Starting Pay

In its announcement, the company also said it will raise pay increases for associates displaying excellent annual performance and customer service. The company is also implementing new pay ranges.

Start rates and pay ranges will be reviewed annually and adjusted to respond to changes in each market. Any associate paid below his or her facility’s new start rates will have his or her pay increased to fall within the new range, according to the announcement.

“These start rate changes, combined with our competitive benefits, like affordable health care, 401K and profit sharing and annual incentives for our hourly associates, make us an even more attractive employer, which is why people stand in line to apply for Wal-Mart jobs,” Susan Chambers, executive vice president of the People Division for Wal-Mart Stores Inc., said in the announcement.

Wal-Mart has faced much scrutiny over its employee benefits (See Doyle Accuses Wal-Mart of Health Care ‘Dumping’ ), prompting the retailer to ease eligibility requirements for part-time employees who want health care benefits, and prompting a decrease in its prescription drug copays (See Wal-Mart Broadens Health Benefits, To Trim Down Drug Co-Pay ).