Wal-Mart moves to protect staff
Chief executive orders managers to toe the line
June 9 2003
The world’s biggest retailer has hit back strongly at accusations that it treats staff unfairly by issuing a stern warning to its managers.
Wal-Mart chief executive Lee Scott told the company’s annual meeting that managers who don’t follow the company’s employment policies should be looking for new jobs.
Wal-Mart is currently facing legal action form employees who allege they were forced to work unpaid overtime, as well as claims that women do not have the same opportunities as men.
The company is concerned that its developing a reputation as a poor employer, which its sees as a serious threat to its continued growth. Scott said the company insists on fairness, equal access to pay and promotion and that workers are paid for all the hours they work.
He said the company will “make sure any manager who doesn’t understand the prior points no longer has a career at Wal-Mart Stores Inc.” Employees were encouraged should use the company’s open-door policy to report any abuses.
The meeting also heard that Wal-Mart expects its international division, including Asda in the UK to account for one third of sales and profit growth within five years. Division head John Menzer set out the importance of the George clothing band, developed by Asda, to the growth of Wal-Mart’s global business. The brand is being rolled out to Wal-Mart stores around the world.
