Walmart Commercial: hire 100,000 veterans by 2018

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 22:48:52 -0500

Did anyone else see the commercial by Walmart that if you fought for your country you should not fight to get a job? They pledge to hire 100,000 veterans by 2018. As much as I do not like companies using actors in uniforms I respect that they want to hire veterans and I hope that they exceed that aim.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 10:52 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 22:52:52 -0500

If only it was 100,000 decent career type jobs. Not 100K entry level stocking and cashier jobs. Vets deserve better IMHO. I know anything is better than nothing but it still stings to see these men and women not being recognized as the skilled professionals they are.

Response by MSgt Jason Zuehlke made Nov 12 at 2014 10:44 AM

MSgt Jason Zuehlke — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 10:44:41 -0500

I read an interesting article on the HuffPost the other day. The story lists the top ten companies paying their employees the least. Walmart is number one. The article also points out that Walmart employees "are among the most likely to rely on government subsidies and assistance programs."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/08/lowest-paying-companies_n_6126992.html

These 10 Companies Pay Americans The Least

In the wake of mounting protests from labor groups, numerous U.S. localities have approved minimum wage increases, including two of the nation’s largest cities, Seattle and San Francisco. Yet, e

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2014 11:49 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 11:49:00 -0500

Yeah, those positions that Walmart intend to hire Vets into are entry level, paying poverty-level wages. Yes, Walmart does promote from within and you can actually make a decent living once you reach the management ranks. The problem is getting to that point. I don't think it is unrealistic for a transitioning or retiring Servicemember to make the same amount of money as there last military rank/position, or even more.

I worked for Walmart from 2003 to 2007, and made it to department manager. I was looking at assistant manager before I left for a different company, but I can tell you that the people that make the most money (aside from top management and executive level leadership) are the hourly - paid managers that have been with the company for 15 to 20 years. Bottom line, if you can handle making $7 or $8 starting out (maybe your retirement and VA compensation can supplement), Walmart could be a good spot, eventually rising to a salaried management position, or a long term hourly - paid manager.

To add to my point about the highly paid hourly managers...Walmart does place a cap on them. In the old days, an hourly manager (i.e. department manager, customer support manager, or support managers) could keep getting yearly and performance raises with no ceiling. So hourly managers would refuse salaried management positions because they could make more money, and only work 40 hours a week, whereas salaried managers are expected to work 50 or more hours a week.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 9:11 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:11:57 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member I didn't see it, now I'm going to look for it. Thanks for the heads up.

Response by SFC Jerry Shaw made Nov 6 at 2015 10:29 AM

SFC Jerry Shaw — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 10:29:11 -0500

But not pay