MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 25,
2024 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada is investing $53 million in higher wages for its hourly store
associates.
Earlier this month, Walmart Canada raised the hourly wage for
approximately 40,000 of its store associates. This targeted
investment ensures the retailer continues to provide attractive pay
in the markets they operate.
"We're on a journey of developing our talent, simplifying and
modernizing how we work, investing in our teams, and strengthening
our culture," said AnnMarie Mercer,
Chief People Officer, Walmart Canada.
In addition to investing in wages, Walmart Canada recently made
a significant investment in digital handheld devices for store
associates. The devices will enable our associates to better
support our customers by looking up items more quickly in our
systems and allowing for faster, real-time communication between
associates to better facilitate customer requests.
"As a people-led, tech-powered, omnichannel retailer, we know
how important it is for our associates to have the right tools they
need to do their job," said Joe
Schrauder, Chief Operations Officer, Walmart Canada. "These
devices play a critical role in helping our store associates
perform their day-to-day tasks more efficiently and better serve
our customers."
These frontline investments are significant steps Walmart Canada
is making on its journey to be the leading omnichannel retailer in
Canada. Wages are just one part of
the total compensation offering that all Walmart Canada associates
receive when they work for Walmart. Others include:
- Annual incentive bonus aligned with company performance
- Comprehensive benefit coverage including enhanced prescription
drug coverage, health and dental, fertility treatment, mental
health care, and gender affirmation care
- Access to free and confidential 24/7 virtual care, employee
assistance programs, and wellbeing programs through TELUS
Health
- A Walmart discount card for savings of 10 per cent on groceries
and general merchandise sold at Walmart stores and on
Walmart.ca
- A deferred profit-sharing retirement plan and a discounted
stock purchase program
In addition, Walmart Canada has prioritized investments in
careers and technology. In September
2023, the retailer announced its commitment to ensuring
their associates have the skills needed for the future. Through the
Live Better U (LBU) educational program, Walmart covers 100% of the
cost of tuition, books, and course fees for course offerings
curated based on the new and future needs of the business. To date,
over 3,000 associates have participated in this offering. This
program marks a $50 million
investment over the next five years in associate career-driven
learning and development, offered through programs at top-tier
schools across Canada.
About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores
nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day. Walmart Canada's
flagship online store, Walmart.ca is visited by more than 1.5
million customers daily. With more than 100,000 associates, Walmart
Canada is one of Canada's largest
employers and is ranked one of the country's top 10 most
influential brands. Walmart Canada's extensive philanthropy program
is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994
Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $750 million to Canadian charities. Additional
information can be found at walmartcanada.ca and on Walmart
Canada's social media pages – Facebook, X (formerly known as
Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn.
SOURCE Wal-Mart Canada Corp.