Wal-Mart CEO Answers Critics

In Exclusive Interview, Lee Scott Says People Are Attacking The Wrong Company

(CBS)  Lee Scott has been called the most powerful CEO in America. He runs Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer.

But lately, Scott's hardest sell has been his company's image, which has been under the target of relentless attacks from union groups that say it pays poverty-level wages. As CBS News correspondent Anthony Mason explains, the company is also under attack from Democrats who have their eyes on the next presidential election.

"I don't see any indication they care about the fate of middle-class people." Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., says.

So how does Scott feel about being used as a political issue?

"Oh, I think they're attacking the wrong company," he says.

In a rare interview at Wal-Mart's Rogers, Ark., store, Scott offers a reminder that 127 million customers shop at Wal-Mart every week.

"It's surprising to me to me that anyone would want to take a chance at irritating people who like us," he says.

But Wal-Mart has paid a price for the bad press. A leaked internal study showed up to 8 percent of the store's customers no longer shopped there because of its reputation. Even Scott admits the critics struck a nerve.

"When we started getting that criticism, it hurt," he says.

Wal-Mart has hired outside image consultants and set up a public relations war room and gone on the offensive. One of their recent commercials says, "Last year alone Wal-Mart created tens of thousands of new American jobs."

From its modest beginnings as a five-and-dime stores in Bentonville, Sam Walton's company has become a corporate colossus — a $300 billion-a-year business that is also the largest private employer in the country.

But does this mean the company has a responsibility to pay a living wage? Scott says he doesn't know "what specifically a living wage is. Our average wage is over $10 an hour."

In the past year, after a study showed that nearly half of the children of Wal-Mart workers were uninsured or on Medicaid, the company expanded its health care plan, and last month raised wages 6 percent at many stores.

Does this imply that the company wasn't paying enough in the first place?

"I guess that if you wanted to make that case. I'd prefer to look at it as we have been raising wages and improving benefits for years," Scott says.

But the CEO concedes that criticism has forced one sweeping change: the greening of Wal-Mart.

Scott has committed to cutting Wal-Mart's energy costs by 30 percent.

"Now, you may not think of this, but that is a thing of beauty," Scott adds.

In an experimental store in Colorado, Wal-Mart is already testing energy-saving technologies.

The Rogers store has display cases with light-emitting diodes that give off much less heat, making it cheaper to cool.

But Wal-Mart skeptics still doubt the company's commitment, suggesting, perhaps that the company is just trying to "green wash" its image.

"The one thing I've found at Wal-Mart is trying to be overly sophisticated and manipulative is not our strength," Scott adds.

But the company that's made its name cutting costs is smart enough to know that improving its image could also improve its bottom line.

[mugrump]

The Walmart CEO Lee Scott and your news team reporting the walmart sory needs to come to Cranberry,Pa and interview some employees here. His story about wages and insurance is a farce. They just had huge numbers of employees quit this store for reasons as wage freeze. Insurance that costs about $300 month for a man and wife. Told also if insurance goes up, oh well. They didn't even accept their own vision insurance in their optical department. I am not an employee of walmart but do have a retired navy family member that works there and he is the one you need to interview to show the correct way walmart is treating its people. Show the world how it really is....report it correctly.

[walmartvet]

As to the 6% pay increases, please comment on the fact that many of us who helped build Wal-Mart got our pay capped and will never get another pay increase- I make $20 an hour. Also they eliminated merit raises altogeter- this at a company founded on intiative and ideas "bubbling up from the associates" Take it from a long term vet- everything is being forced from the top down and it is not a fun place to work any longer. Most of us are leaving as fast as we can before either the union gets in or they run us long termers out so they can hire 2 new ones to replace one of us. Sam wanted loyalty, it is not wanted today. We needed a leader after David Glass and did not get one.

[mlwhiteraym]

I am just about sick to death with all of you do-gooders out there, that are getting a hugh delight with the WM bashing!!! I happen to work for WM, in Missouri, and have for 7 long years, and they have put a roof over my head, and food on my table and have allowed me to purchase my very 1st home, and make a good living. You all do not actually see all of the good that they do behind the scenes. So, unless you have actually worked for WM, or are currently employed then keep your unsolicited comments to yourselves. I have had to work, and still do, to get where I am at in the company, and I am very proud of my employer, I do not agree with a lot of what they do, but, to be able to work for them is a privilege and they will be providing my with a very nice package for my retirement.

[lbarca]

I did work for wal-mart. CEO Lee Scott- WHAT A JOKE!!!! The vision/optical dept. doesn't accept the insurance that WM provides. I left because of wage freezes and the cost of insurane, and YES UNPAID MANDITORY OVERTIME. I will never shop in wal-mart again. I would rather pay a few bucks more someplace else

[krballi]

I have worked for WM for almost 15 years. I think if Lee Scott would leave Bentonville and actually come fly the company jet to our stores he would get a true picture of WM's problems. Instead he pays for elaborate comercials to tell people how wonderful we are. He needs to re-read Mr.Sam's book....."take care of the associate because they take care of the customer". His saying he doesn't know what a living wage is, is a true statement for him. If I made over a million dollars a year with stock options and bonus, I wouldn't know either...Get real Mr. Scott, I invite you to Store 1778 in Cody, Wyoming. If you decide you want to visit us, please do not announce your arrival. You need to see how our store as it really is. Sincerely, Karen R. Ballinger Store 1778
Cody, Wyoming

[Pax7]

I know that when I go to a grocery store, I get groceries. When I went to WalMart, I got groceries, paint, lipstick, shoes and spent $50 to over $100 when I could have spent $14.14 at a grocery store getting just what I needed. I actually spent more of my paycheck going to WalMart than saving money. I now know I am free from WalMart and money will start storing up rather than going out like water so I can use it wisely instead of impulsively. I figured it out and in the 20 years I've been shopping there, I spent approximately $30,000. which never stayed in my community but went straight to Arkansas. In the next 20 years, with the money I will save by not shopping there, I will pay a nice chunk toward my mortgage.

[bluesjul]

I'v work at Wal-Mart Now for three years and have not seen a change. All the states that sround Ark get all the good stuff but most of us over here on the west coast get ***. Poorly ran stores verey bad benifts expept maybe our retirement packages but its still not something to shake a stick at.You guys should realy talk to us associates frist to get our take on everything and then take it back to MR. (I want my company to look good) Lee Scott.I'v worked at two diffrent Wal-Marts both on the West Coast.One in Oregon and now in California.When I transferd to the California store I lost 80 cents.And the average pay is not $10.00 and hour its more like minume wage and then you get your annual raise to raise it to 40 or 50 cents. Because of my lost in pay I bearly make $9.00 an hour and that bearly pays my car payment and my rent.I have two children that I never see because I have to work the closing shifts.And as far as creating thousands of American jobs is a farse.They tell lies to get you hired and then don't do what they say they will when you're hired.Please take the challenge and talk to the associates to really get the real story. come to 2028 in california and see for your self the true Wal-Mart way.Have an under cover repoter get hired at Wal-Mart and have them work for about a month and report back to you the truth about Wal-Mart and I bet your veiws will change.

[dannie16]

what a joke. is this guy serious. i have a few friends who work at wal-mart and all they are doing is cutting. and on top of that since they think they pay enough, they are changing all associates hours to a flex schedule, meaning the schedule will vary from week to week, so there goes the thought of a 2nd job to supplement income. the company is lost and floundering, morale is low when it used to be high, and they just took away the best health insurance they offered to employees. i guess the quote "have no idea" is the most tru of the interview. CBS needs to talk to employees, not the higher ups wh have no clue

[jryder8]

To those who would work at Wal-Mart and bash it so horribly, I say, find a new job. If there is nail sticking out of a bench , you would not sit on it. Why work for a company that hurts you so deeply. I have worked for Wal-mart for 7 years and have accomplished a lot with this company. What I admire about this company is that the sky is the limit. I started out making $7/hr. I now take home 6 figures annually. The average wage in my urban store is close to $12/hr. This is not minimum wage! When my company first started the "green" initiative or "sustainability", I was skeptical of its actual commitment. Now, not even a year later, I have personally seen the high engagement of the associates as well as the leaders. Wal-Mart employs over a million people. When a million people go after something, that is pretty powerful and impactful. Has this company made mistakes along the way? Yes, but what company is perfect? At least Wal-mart has recognized them and is working hard to fix them. The bottom line is, I am proud of my company and what it contributes to society.

[southside031]

I have worked for Walmart for many years. Yes it is a job and does help provide food for the table and help pay bills, but I still need the assistance of food stamps and have had several things disconnected due to the hours being cut and pay not as great. I do not make $10 an hour and neither do most of my fellow associates. Employee turn over is extremely high due to the fact of the way the associates are treated. Most new hirees are part-time only. The customer always come first, which is fine until it causes you to have to work past your time to satisfy the customer. Then you get jumped on,coached,or even written up for it.If you really want to know how the company is doing, talk to the employees who make the company work by stocking, servicing the customers, and just ringing them up at the registers. Each and every store puts up a front when being inspected by anyone because they are informed about the inspection before hand. If they really want to see how the stores are really looking, then they should come in unannounced. They would see not many people happy about their job, but they will not complain too loudly for the fear of loosing their job and on the southern southside coast, jobs are getting scarce because of all the factory closings.For a billion dollar company you would also think they would offer better health benefits.

[freespeech3]

Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing. This guy seems all calm and countryfied but what do you think his board meetings sound like. Walmart is a terrible corporate citizen. They pay their employees too little, import junk from 3rd world counties and foist it off on customers as cost savings bargains. The quality of their merchandise is so low that replacing so called these bargains makes it less expensive to buy good quality merchandise to start with.

Wake up America, your paying through the nose for infererior merchandise. Walmart's meats and vegetables are inferior and, to top it off, Walmart sticks you with the cost of their employee healthcare to boot.

How can we be so ...........dumb?

[waywills]

OMG! The CEO of Walmart doesn't know what "living wage" means? He is obviously common sense deficit. Does he understand what "co-pay" means? Does he understand what "deductible" means? Is he smart enough to understand that Walmart as a corporation is "***" the workers who made Walmart what it is? Or at least what it used to be.
Ask Lee Scott if he knows what it means when a company goes UNDER? Yes, I am an associate, and do you, CBS see that all the negative comments come from current assoicates, or at least on behalf of curent associates, with, of course the one praise comment thrown in by some store manager's wife. Show us that you are not all about a pretty picture with Katie. Show us that you want to show the world the WHOLE story, if you are doing a story about Walmart. Don't just get the smoke blown up your skirt by the CEO. Talk to the millions of disgruntled CURRENT associates Walmart is *** nationwide. It is not just bad in the Red states. It is bad in the Blue states as well.

[waywills]

JRYDER8
You must be management to make those comments. Or in a multi-staffed UPC office, or maybe the SWAT team or in a warehouse in some remote area. If you really work for Walmart in the trenches, or as some call it the 7th level of Hell, then you know as well as anyone that the changes they are making is not for customer service improvement but improvement for their bottomline. Are you really thinking you work for the soon to be next Saint? Get educated, see what associates in your store think about layaway going away and hourly wage caps, or cutting staffing during peak hours. Ask a real customer what it is like trying to get a piece of fabric cut from a bolt when the D19 dept mgr is at lunch. You are so clueless. I can't believe you really work for a Walmart in the real world!

[waywills]

JRYD
I just re-read your comment and see that you make a 6 figure salary. Who are you kidding?

[lvmygrkds]

After working for WM for 16 years and seeing all the changes and all the favortism I gave it up. It is a shame that Lee Scott can sit in his chair and tell the world that the company is for the associates when it certainly is NOT. They change job decriptions and cut associates wages over $1 an hour and now they are adding a cap on all wages, where do you have to go from there unless you are one that the management thinks is a such a great associate, or even as in the store I worked at your husband is a lawyer or judge and they surely don't want to make waves with someone with those kind of ties even if they have caused alot of associates to leave. The bottom line for WM now is the almighty dollar and what the cheifs in the office can make to raise their salary. From the time I left I hear regularly from associates now and it is sad that with the ecomony they sure can't afford to lose their jobs and know that is what will happen if they try to speak out.

[ark169]

I work for Wal-mart and I see what goes on my kids are on medicaid also. I was hired on as temp and before my 90 day eval I was given part time which pushed my eval another 90 days. In Arkansas you can bet the only people making over $10 an hour is department managers you won't find to many associates making close to that. Did we see an 6% increase? NO... Arkansas is probably the lowest paid associates in the wal-mart company. The associates are the ones putting customers first and we are the last ones to see that fat bonus check at the end of the year. Scott Lee and all the other CEO's, home office personal, store managers and etc.. get their six to seven digit salaries each year they are not worried about us the people who work our ***** off to make sure the customers are taken care of. What about us I can't even get medicaid because I work and I don't qualify for insurance because I haven't been there long enough, We don't even have set schedules one day you come in and work until 11:00pm and then come in the next day at 7:00am split days off. I have kids that get home at 3:30pm I can't afford a babysitter but Wal-mart won't work with me so I can get home for them. Wal-mart says it works with associates so they have family time but when is that suppose to happen. Wal-mart is worried about Wal-mart and there $300 billion dollar image that they brodcast frequently and thats it.

I've been with walmart 6 years now and I'm amazed at how much a company can change in 6 short years.

We are over worked, understaffed.And just plain sick of things. Moral with associates is at an all time low. No wonder customers complain about non friendly associates.

Even "under" managements moral is down in stores.They are just as stressed,The reason the average wage for associates is so 10.00 is because they average in associates that have been there for a long time. They fail to mention that those associates have now had a cap put on their pay.

Maybe Lee Scott should have a grassroots with associates and get the real feeling. When I first started I would have praised and pushed everyone to work at walmart now I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It's a job now I go do it and get the heck out of there. I'd rather shop at the competition then spend any extra time there.

[realpeople4]

Dear Mr. Scott,

Supercenter#3247 - Delavan WI

In your "Greening Process", please turn off the full blast heat in the Summer in aisles #11-13, and the Crafts/Fabrics Dept. Thank you.

Please help us find "just" one associate in this Supercenter who recently received a 6% wage increase.

WHERE IS THE "OPEN DOOR?", this Supercenter is not equipped with one.

What happens to the "Good Customer Comment Cards"?
I see the customers complete them, deposit them in the gray box, and vanish. Is it true an associate is to receive a good job pin for each good customer comment card? Does Wal-Mart still have good job pins??????

[red_neck_rob]

WOW you started off at $7 an hour.Took me 3 years to get that.You must be kissing the right***.I'm sorry.I work for store # 975.If you want the real story on how Associates feel,ask them.I spend every day with them.Every store in our district got a raise except ours.And we are the fastest growing city in our state.I don't mean ask the people our managers bring to you.Just meet them in the parking lot before or after work and get the truth.There are people at our store that have been there for 15+ years and not making #10 an hour.Mr Scott said what he meant in our monthly WM magazine."You can get as much from a 1 year associate as you can someone with the company for 20 years"Doesn't sound like he thinks much of us.Of course what do you expect from someone that has never had to work for a living.

[realpeople4]

Dear Mr. Scott, Mr. Walton and the entire Board of Directors,

Yahoo!! Yes, indeed, please immediately implement "Surprise Store/Supercenter Visits." Only and especially if you care to make improvements, and things better for all.

These consistent planned/announced/leaked visits and "star's", only do WAY more harm than good. One can only make changes to the truth, not a fabrication/cover-up/camouflage. To fix, or make changes one must actually see and hear how a store truly actually functions. PLEASE I invite, and encourage you to do so. What could you possibly be so afraid of? TRY a weekend - peak visit or even an evening, not a Tuesday morning. You are not afraid to work a weekend, or a holiday like the rest of your 1.3 million required associates?

What truly happens to a "grass roots"? What meter measures a Supercenter Manager? Is it true that 3 consecutive bad grass roots, and the Supercenter Manager is gone? Don't tell me, sales are the bottom line.?

[realpeople4]

Continued....

Now, is your chance and time for Action Senior Management - You make the call. Use those dozen Lear jets at Rogers Airport, dress casual, save money on hiring "outside consultants". Dare to challenge Senior Management to one - just one, unannounced SURPRISE store/supercenter visit. Be your own MYSTERY visitor. Target one in each state of the United States of America, prepare your reports, and compare. Measure Up and Take Action from your own hard earned work - not paid information, press or hearsay, Mr. Sam would.

Oh, and by the way, on those salary caps for hourly associates, is there a plan for cost of living adjustments?

[red_neck_rob]

Hey Mr.Scott.If you would pay your slaves more money you wouldn't lose 70 people in a store in 1 month.

[red_neck_rob]

Yes!Please visit my store.Tomorrow would be a good time to start.

[torgie41]

Hey there, this is a 16 year Associate of Walmart and am getting very stressed with all the stuff that is coming down from upper management that they think are good ideas, but have never checked with the people that they keep telling, "This is your Wal-mart". They have been dumping stuff for awhile but this one has about capped it off, no more layaway this is just a stupid move with no reasoning at all. And we were told to keep a positive attitude.It continues to get harder and harder everyday. To even keep any attitude, Alot of us are just numb. The 10.00 an hour thing is very few people. And it still is not enough with todays economy, it is still poverty when I and my wife are both working at the same store and still are just making it from paycheck to paycheck. With no savings and living in a mobilehome. I like my job working with people and the people I work with are great and we do not deserve to be treated like we are when Wal-Mart knows that most of us don't have a choice in this economy. And after 16 years of my life being given to this mega company. this statement is to the Walton family, "What about the people who have worked hard to put you where you are?"

[red_neck_rob]

Mr.Scott...A living wage is a wage where your employees can pay all of their bills in the same month.Do you understand now?????

[red_neck_rob]

Why don't you step back.Quit looking down your long snout,and think about the man that built this company from a 5 and dime store.Sam was a very smart person.How do you think he got his employees to smile at the customers,offer handshakes,and just be a great associate?It wasn't by stabbing them in the back every chance he got.Take care of your people and in turn we will take care of our customers.**** flows downhill and believe me brother,it starts at the top of the pile.

[strife40]

CBS you let us associates down last night big time. We were all thinking you would be asking Lee Scott the tough questions last night and doing fact finding but no dice. Just more avoiding the real issues about Walmart workers and building up his "greening of WMT program".Why don't you interview real associates that have been there awhile and actually work in the field. People that see where these "phases" that we are currently in are going and what that means for the future of the breed of workers that put Walmart on top. The same people who are probably going to be drummed out of the company by the first of the year. I'll give you a hint CBS...here will be your next big story for JAN.07' and it will probably go something like"WALMART, WITH IT'S SECRET CUTBACKS AND TERMINATION OF OLD HANDS ON THE WORKFORCE IS IT THE NEXT ENRON?" Speculation still... but if you do an interview again you need to get to the bottom of the 7 phase plan that Walmart is currently doing. That's where the story is. Now which one of you guys at CBS has the gut's to go after it?

[bettyboop692]

Hello there ceo's
10.00 dollars an hour in what world are you living in??? Where and who. Silver card employees thats who. Thank you for the wage cap also. Open door where in my house, not at any wal-mart where I have been. Managers say hello in the am where? your lucky if they know who you are and even luckier if they know your name. Good thing we have name tags.Harrassement and favortism never not in our store ya right. you million dollar boys better get on your million dollar jets and fly around ole Mr. sam would be rolling in his grave about now if he hasn't jumped out by now and went to a different state. I am so glad I don't have a family to raise and work at wal-mart. It is a very poor reprsentation of family work place. Maybe management family not the workers. Oh ya million dollar boys wheres our bonuses we were promised Management gets them wow surprise surprise and WHO DOES THE WORK EVER THINK OF THAT SEE YA BETTYBOOP692

[cafeblues2]

After 5 yrs I make $10 hr. Now I find out from the local news that my dept will no longer exist. This effects 10,000 associates , we will be sent to other depts and get pay decreases. The company didn't even have the decency to alert us.
As for this latest PR campaign. I have not come across a wal-mart that got a 6% raise. Salary managers got a raise this year, while hourly associates were told they were capped . This are same associates that make wal-mart look good in the books because a new associate makes $6.50 a twenty yr associate make $16.00 it averages out till about $10 .
On another note the store I work at lost 30 people and we have been able to replace them because even the local pizza place hires at $7.25 hr.
Just my 2 cents hope someone listens
[e-mail]

[lagoon11]

I have worked for Wal-Mart for 17 years. I'm not trying to bash the company but only to state the facts the way they have been stated to us this year. I have never seen as many negative changes as I have this year. Long-term associates are worried about their position with the company. We feel like they are trying to get rid of us. In the past if you moved to another position, you either got a raise or stayed the same, but now you take a chance on losing money. They've eliminated positions, put a cap on the amount of money you can make, started the uniform wearing(and the blue shirts doesn't even have Wal-mart on them, how cheap can you get?). They didn't even order up any khaki pants for us to purchase, so the associates are having to shop at the competitors for their uniform. The company is now stopping layaways so the customer will apply for a credit card. Now they tell us about the absentee policy where if you have 7 unexcused absences in 6 months you will be terminated and doctors excuses are not excused. Also if you miss 3 days, you have to take a leave of absence on the 4th day. What is going on with this company? It's not about the associate anymore, only about the bottom line. It makes me very angry when they talk about all the money they give out, but when sales are down they cut our hours. When you lose 8 or 9 hours on a paycheck its hard to pay the bills for the month.

[realpeople4]

Dear Mr. Scott,

Is this $10.00 per hour average for an hourly associate something that you know, or where told to say?

Please go to your nearest Wal-Mart SuperCenter to the Electronics Dept., purchase a $1.00 calculator, use your 10% discount card, pay .90 cents plus tax and do the math:

A) By Seniority Less than 1 year
2-5
6-10
11-15
16-20
21-25
25-30
31+

B) By Store/SuperCenter Age Use Same Formula

C) By Division

D) By Region

Now, we get a whole set of new true numbers. Please share them with us, and do tell the truth.

P.S. CBS, there are great ideas here, do implement them.

[jpgandr]

When Sam Walton was alive, he made sure that everyone was happy, the customer and the employee. Now it seems that the Lee Scott's of Wal-Mart are more worried about the almighty dollar than the people who made them rich, and I am talking about the employees. $10 an hour is not the average wage of the employees. A lot of new employees start out at minimum wage and they might get a 50 cent raise a year. How long do you think it will take someone to make $10 an hour at that rate? Those dedicated, long time employees who have worked for Wal-Mart for a number years have gotten a cap put on their wages of around $15. But I am sure the insurance will continue to go up. Now isn't that nice? Then management has the nerve to tell them that even though they are never going to get another raise, and some have another 10 or 15 years to go before retirement, to not stop doing better and better every day. What kind of incentive is that? What will they ever get out of it?

[jpgandr]

? Let's talk about overtime. You don't get it. If you do work past your 40 hours, you could counseled, then if you do it again, you will have a day of decision ( to think about if you are going to do it again ) , and then you might even be fired. One of Wal-Mart's golden rules is to be there for the customer, just make sure you don't go that minute past 40 hours or you will live to regret it. If you really want to get the attention of public, put a few undercover workers in a few of the stores, Have them work there for a few weeks, then have them report back on what it is really like to work for the all mighty Wal-Mart. You might be surprised.

[realpeople4]

Dear Mr. Scott, et.,al.

I Love Betty Boop's comment.

If, I EVER saw JUST one member, just ONE member of the management team -EVER- practice the 10' Rule, to ANYONE (Customer or Associate), I would lay down and join Mr. Sam for the biggest SHOCK of MY life. Get out the defib.

Move over Jerry Springer, stop chasing Paternity Revalations, and star a show for former Wal-Mart Associates. Forecast: Make your Stock purchases (on The Springer parent company) now.

[overthecap2]

Wal-Mart used to be a great company to work for. Now, it is awful. For us long term associates, our hard work and dedication was rewarded this summer by a pay cap. For those of us that are over the cap, we no longer get annual raises. Where is the incentive to provide this great customer service that Lee Scott wants us to give our customers? Yes, the desire to do a good job comes from within but we are given NO incentive anymore than to do the bare minimum. We can not transfer to other facilities or even change jobs in our own store. I think most of us associates over 10 years feel like we have a target on our back. It's just a matter or time before Lee Scott and Susan Chambers get rid of all of us. We work in a hostile work environment because of these changes and how they are being executed.

Why don't we leave if we aren't happy? Because I MADE this company what it is today and I shouldn't have to. I actually believed in the "Old Wal-Mart" When I was hired I was told the sky was the limit and that "our people make the difference" What a crock that turned out to be. I gave Wal-Mart the best working years of my life. It probably wouldn't be possible to start over this late in life-who is going to hire a 50+ year old woman who has worked at Wal-Mart for the past 20 years?

[overthecap2]

CONTINUED............

Seriously, Lee. If you want to get a true vibe about what your associates (who are also CUSTOMERS) think about the company and its current changes and direction, you need to get out into the stores UNANNOUNCED and ask us. Specifically those of us who have 10+ years with the company. I can tell you for a fact, I won't support a company who doesn't support me. I will not buy Wal-Mart stock, and have changed my profit sharing and 401k distribution to not invest in Wal-Mart stock. I suggest others do the same.

[realpeople4]

Oh yes Million Dollar Boys,

When making your UNANNOUCED SURPRISE MYSTERY VISIT, do dress as a blue collar worker, make a small purchase; bottle of water, candy bar (don't use your discount card). Stand in the longest line, listen and hear; your customers, the pages, the attitudes. Then after checking out, try and locate a CSM, or any other associate who will page a "manager" for you, tine how long the "manager's" response takes, complain - about anything (check out the bathroom's) and listen to their response.

[avalonstar]

Working for Walmart many years.. i am saddened at the changes.
The closeing of layaway and Fabrics(most stores) and soon the closing the paint and sporting goods counters i hear as well is making this onetime giant company a soon to be small fry in the retail world.
as someone said before by phasing out thier job they will get less pay with Walmarts Union type payscale.

Think about it.. they close layaway/fabrics/paint counter/sporting goods counter.. That's about 15 peoplle who will lose thier job and be absorbed into the store as a reguler worker and recive less money after thier pay is taken away from them due to thier new job code.

And the news about the new race based stores sounds crazy.. this is america and i don't feel like working in a store where everything is in spanish or some other language.
I'm not racist, in fact i am of mixed races.. but how am i supposed to work/shop in a store where i can't read the signs.

[dawnylu]

I'm sorry that your views as Walmart associates are so poor. My husband's worked for Walmart for 12 years. We have TRANSFERRED with the company 5 years ago by choice and could again if we want. When they see a hard working employee that's willing to go clock in at work, and give an honest days work, they reward that. My husband is by no means a brown noser and he does expect his crew to work when they clock in, and he has their respect, and that has shown up through his evals that his crew turns in on him. I have never worked for a company that has supervisors and managers evaluated by the employees that work under them, that is a good idea Walmart, more companies should do that. Walmart has provided for our family very well. I am proud that my husband works for Walmart. I shop there for my personal shopping, as well as for the company I work for. I find there pricing and service great. I have worked in management for other large companies, new rules come down, sometimes they work well and on occasion they don't, at least Walmart's brave enough to try something new. When you stay in one place to long without change, other companies soar past you. You have to keep evolving, and no company is without flaws. But with Walmart,it's an EXCELLENT company and there's room for advancement for the ones who are willing to work for it, not just clock in.

[longterm2]

Wal-Mart is definitely not the same company that it was 10 years ago. I can remember when associates enjoyed coming to work and took pride in what they did. That is no longer the case anymore. Morale in our stores has been declining for several years now. People no longer feel appreciated for what they do. The so called "flights" taking place this year have made the situation worse. Long term associates are no longer appreciated for their length of service or experience. Instead, they are seen as a financial burden to the company because of higher hourly wages and more money paid out for benefits. The company would rather hire "peaktime" associates who make half the amount of money and who will have less benefit choices once they reach their elgibility date of one year. Also, the "flights" taking place will mainly effect longer term associates. It's sad when you go to work everyday wondering if your job is the next to be eliminated. I feel sorry for the accounting associates and layaway associates who have spent years thinking they were working their way up only to be demoted into lower paying pay classes. Rumor is that training coordinators are next. Lee Scott needs to realize that in order to have happy customers he will have to have happy associates. I don't agree with union representation, but if this company doesn't get a handle on alienating it's associates they are going to have big problems in the future.

[levgar77]

I was an associate with Walmart for 8 years but recently left the company, less then a month ago. I left because of the changes made or being made. I like many associates whom been with the company that long, I had a sence of ownership. As a former Dept. Manager in several dept's, customer service has fallen by the waist side and tasks have become the most important thing. Why is Walmart trying to be like the number 2 company Target--New dress code, Blue shirts and Khaki pants--No Layaway--No Paint Dept--No Fabrics. It's also sad when you have people coming out of the training program and the Departments know more then they do. Sam Walton was on to something, I realize things have changed since but he had a simple theory--You shelve the product, at an affordable cost, give customer service, and you will successful. I realize I'm bouncing around on subjects, but what is the incentive to move up within the company. Work as an Assistant Manager, work a minimum of 50-55 hours a work and a pay that doesn't equal. And, the time away from your family--which you can't put a price on that.

[realpeople4]

How many former Wal-Mart associates are there in the U.S.A? Of this total, what percentage are retired?

[strife40]

Just got in from Walmart this morning to stop and read all of the truth and real reports that CBS wouldn't run a couple of days ago. One person on this board wrote that she was glad that her husband works for Walmart. Big deal. I have worked hard and continue to work hard and I'm not a brown nose either but those people who do get ahead such as your husband or whoever are favored in some way or another. Say what you will. I'm sure there are many others out there that will agree and don't just go in to punch a clock. Walmart's arrogance in not even warning people of there jobs being taken away is downright dirty. That's not "guts enough to try something different" madam . Stop getting on the soapbox spreading your B.S. There are too many good workers out there that are down and underappreciated to just take what you say. It's people like you that make so many others of us angry with your delusions of grandure.It's just throwing people under a bus or just running over them saying as one manager put it to us in our store "if you don't like the changes you know where the door is". Change ,my dear is only good in small amounts or moderation. Especially in retail where people have more of family responsibility than say someone with no children that live in some cubicle on a computer at some big corperation everyday.

[strife40]

I would also like to state that realpeople below made some great comments as well as others on here who really know how to run Walmart and have been loyal for many years and actually know how the real Walmart is supposed to be run and be successful. The caps are wrong, the changing of clothes to uniforms is shaky at best and who really wants to move up when your capped and can't get any raises. One co-manager at my store had the audacity to say if you don't have a good eval or slack off because of the cap your money will be taken away. Has anybody out there experienced that yet from a manager? Unbelievable but true.

[spredbury]

I am not a Wal-Mart employee but I use to be a Wal-mart customer. I have not shopped at Wal-mart in more than a year and will not shop there again. I read all the bad press about Wal-Mart and don't know what is or isn't true. I must admit that I am inclined to believe what I read. But, I do know the merchandise is of poor quality. Lowest price isn't always best when it impacts quality. You get what you pay for. You may not pay much at Wal-mart but you don't get much. But my biggest complaint with Wal-Mart is the rudness and discourteous attitude displayed by Wal-Mart employees, especially the managers. They always present the attitude of "why are you bothering me?". They always seem to be too busy to provide service.

[walmartvet]

To those of you who ask why we don't leave, we are all trying, but please understand, a lot of us are older, close to retirement age, and had planned on retiring from Walmart, very happily. Then the decision was made to get rid of the older long term associates. Our pay was capped and if we go to part time, our spouses lose the insurance we have had for almost 20 years- they have really done a number on us and it is a little harder but not impossible to get a job with benefits at 60. There is a lot more going on and a lot of writing on the wall for the long term associates that were loyal to Sam and it is scary for us. We will get out because we are not the types to stay around where we are not wanted. But we are the types that made Wal-Mart work, that taught the new ones the culture which is probably why they want us gone.

And when they were making their plans they forgot that we as associates are shareholders too- or in my case- used to be. I will not own stock in a company I don't beleive in.

[woodycruzer]

i have been a walmart associate for over 15 years. when i was hired in i was told as long as i work hard and do a good job the sky was the limit, no matter what road i took, that sam walton did not believe in pay caps that i could go as far as i wanted, and made my career choices accordingly. Over the years i have done a *** good job for the company, i have trained many many associates, managers and have worked in countless stores teaching and training anything asked of me. i used to defend the company when unions would approach me said they weren't needed here that this was a great company to work for. now i am almost embarrassed to tell people where i work i have to eat my own words...now i feel like excess baggage. i understand pay caps for the good of the company but long term associates should be excluded from that we built the company
we made it what is today. if i had known when i hired in that my job would end up like this i would not have stayed this long. i feel betrayed. i have honored my contract with wal-mart can they say the same.
a very diappointed associate.

[mrsb7]

Walmart lost it's guts. It thought that it had to give in to everyone and be everything to everyone. It diverisified its culture out the window. It decided that color and gender were more important than ability. It lost it's greatest people because it was afraid that it might make people upset. It is so busy pleasing the union that it is losing it's soul- it's long term associates. It is a company running scared of everything. It will not last another 19 years.And the great man that created it could not produce a great man to follow him- he might have but I think the little men that followed him have him and those like him under house arrest. Coughlan was at least a fighter. Scott is a weak follower and only knows how to play into the looters hands.

[soonervision]

Mr.SCOTT SEEMS TO FORGET WALMART TRY'S TO KEEP THE EMPLOYEE HOURS TO THE BARE LIMITS.30-36 HOURS A WEEK IF THATS WHAT THEY WANT THEY NEED HIGHER WAGES,AFTER DEDUCTIONS ITS LAUGHABLE.OH BY THE WAY WE DID GET A MEETING TO FIND OUT WE WILL PAY MORE FOR INSURANCE,WONDER IF HE REMEMBERS THIS?BY THE WAY DIDN'T MR. SAM SAY OUR ASSOCIATES MAKE THE COMPANY?I THINK MANAGEMENT HAS FORGOTTEN THIS.

[strife40]

HERE'S A THEORY ME AND SOME OF MY FELLOW ASSOCIATES CAME UP WITH A FEW MONTHS AGO WHEN ALL THIS ILLEGAL ALIEN STUFF CAME UP. I CAME UP AND PUT THE QUESTION TO THE GUYS OF "WHAT IF BUSH DOES DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE ILLEGALS LIKE CLOSE THE BORDER AND LET MOST OF THE ILLEGAL MEXICANS ALREADY HERE STAY AND EARN TEMPORARY OR PERMENANT CITIZENSHIP"?...THEN WALMART ,WHO WOULD NATURALLY BE WATCHING THIS WOULD HAVE A GUY AT THE BIG ROUND TABLE THAT WOULD SAY "YOU KNOW WHAT? THIS THING CAN WORK IN OUR FAVOR. MEXICANS WILL BE ABLE TO WORK FOR HALF WHAT WE ARE PAYING OLD TIMERS HERE AND WITH THE GOVERNMENT GIVING THEM EVERYTHING FREE LIKE INSURANCE SINCE THEY AREN'T REALLY LEGAL WE DON'T HAVE TO PAY INSURANCE BENEFITS EITHER. WE CAN JUST GET RID OF LONG TIMERS WHO BUILT THE COMPANY AND HIRE 2 OR 3 TO EVERY OLD TIMER WE LET GO." THINK ABOUT IT FOLKS AND FELLOW ASSOCIATES. IS THIS RIGHT? DO WE NEED TO PULL A NATIONAL WALK OUT? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS COMPANY? ONE WORD ...GREED.