Walmart is to extend its military leave of absence policy to offer differential pay to US employees undergoing basic training for the US armed forces.
The organisation introduced differential pay for employees on active military duty in 2008. Under this policy, if an employee’s military salary is lower than their salary at Walmart, the organisation will pay the difference while they are on a military leave of absence.
From 24 June 2017, the policy will apply to staff on military assignments of more than three days, including basic training.
The enhanced policy is designed to enable employees who are considering enlisting in the US armed forces to do so free of concern about losing pay.
Walmart, which employs over two million people worldwide, is also streamlining its internal processes around differential pay in order to make it easier for US military employees and their families.
The military leave of absence policy is among a number of schemes the organisation offers to support staff serving in the US armed forces. This includes guaranteeing a job at a local Walmart store or Sam’s Club for military staff and military spouses employed by the organisation when they move to another part of the country as a result of a transfer by the US military.
Retired Brigadier General Gary Profit, senior director of military programmes at Walmart, said: “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.
“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 [the] 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.”