Pay Raises for Thousands of Walmart Associates in New Jersey

On Apr 8, 2015

As part of Walmart’s additional $1 billion investment in its workers this year, Walmart is giving raises to 2,688 associates in New Jersey for the pay period starting April 4.  With the raises, associates earn at least $1.75 an hour above the federal minimum wage and 62 cents above the New Jersey minimum wage. The new average, full-time hourly wage in New Jersey is $13.36

This is the first company-wide increase in wages since Walmart announced in February it would provide even more opportunity for its workers. As of April 4, all Walmart associates earn at least $9 per hour and by February 2016 all current associates will earn at least $10 per hour. Walmart is also raising the floor and ceiling of its in-store pay bands in most stores and is providing raises to associates earning at the maximum of their pay band.

The company says that starting wages are just one part of Walmart’s commitment to providing associates with clearer career opportunities. Through its Opportunity initiative, Walmart says it is opening doors for existing and new associates by providing increased scheduling flexibility and control, and new training opportunities for continued growth and advancement beyond entry-level jobs.

“I believe that this pay increase will not only encourage but enable our fellow employees to vastly improve ourselves for better opportunities in all of our futures here at Walmart,” said Candie LaSala, grocery department manager at the Walmart in Williamstown, New Jersey. “Also, it could encourage more people to seek out great job opportunities.”

Aleathia Vaughn, homelines merchandise supervisor at Somerdale NJ’s Walmart added: “I am proud to work for a company that values its associates enough to reward us financially better than other retailers. It makes me feel like Wal-Mart really cares about the work we do.”

Walmart says it is acting purposefully on wages all along the opportunity ladder. For example, the company is reexamining the department manager roles and will raise the starting wage for some of them to at least $13 per hour this summer and at least $15 per hour early next year. As part of the company’s commitment to associate success, Walmart is also implementing comprehensive changes to its hiring, training, compensation, and scheduling programs, as well as to its store structure.

Walmart associates from New Jersey and around the country will have greater choice in their work scheduling to better fit their individual needs. To ensure consistency, some associates will have access to fixed schedules that will not change for at least six months. Associates also will have the option to pick their own shifts or continue to be scheduled systematically based on their availability.

“Walmart’s recent actions regarding wages, scheduling and training will have a positive impact well beyond the well-being of its associates,” said John Holub, president of the New Jersey Retail Merchant Association. “We’ve already seen a ripple effect among retailers and anticipate a wave of opportunity that will extend to other parts of the economy.”

Bill Dressel, executive director of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities added: “Walmart’s commitment to its workforce is an investment toward the future of New Jersey. This investment is another example of Walmart’s dedication to the community as a whole.”

Associates will also be introduced to a new development and training program developed by Walmart workers that allows them to improve and build the skills necessary to grow and enhance their careers. The goal of Walmart’s transformation effort is to set the stage for future associates and showcase the unique ways Walmart offers appropriate onboarding and training. Robust onboarding and training programs are essential for associates and their careers, ensuring a greater chance for promotions and other advancements.