Updated: January 11, 2018

WALMART ANNOUNCED TODAY PLANS TO INCREASE THE STARTING WAGE RATE FOR ALL HOURLY ASSOCIATES IN THE U.S. TO $11, EXPAND MATERNITY AND PARENTAL LEAVE BENEFITS AND PROVIDE A ONE-TIME CASH BONUS FOR ELIGIBLE ASSOCIATES OF UP TO $1,000. THE COMPANY WILL ALSO BE CREATING A NEW BENEFIT TO ASSIST ASSOCIATES WITH ADOPTION EXPENSES. ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE THE COMBINED WAGE AND BENEFIT CHANGES WILL BENEFIT THE COMPANY’S MORE THAN ONE MILLION U.S. HOURLY ASSOCIATES.  THIS INCREASE IN WAGES TO ASSOCIATES WILL TAKE EFFECT IN FEBRUARY.