What is Walmart’s plan for greeters?

Posted on January 31, 2012 by

Leaders of the Organization United for Respect at Walmart (OUR Walmart) expressed concern about Walmart’s apparent decision to eliminate the position of greeters, employees who welcome customers to stores and watch exits for shoplifting. OUR Walmart, an employee association with thousands of members, called for Walmart CEO Mike Duke to clarify the company’s plan for greeters.

“Walmart’s recent decision to reassign greeters has left us uncertain about our job security, concerned about our ability to provide customers with quality service, and nervous about increases in store theft,” said OUR Walmart in a statement. “We believe Walmart can regain its market strength and revive same store sales by investing in us, the Associates, who are the backbone of this company, not by cutting back and compromising customer service and security.”

Walmart has signaled that the decision to eliminate greeters is part of an overall strategy to reduce costs. Already, thousands of Walmart Associates have seen significant cuts to their hours. Now, it appears that the company may reassign greeters to fill in the gaps where these employees used to work.

“This is very troubling for the thousands of people who work as greeters across the country,” said Jerome Allen, who works as a greeter in a Walmart in Fort Worth, Texas. “Our customers are used to seeing a friendly face when they enter the store. What would Sam Walton think about eliminating these positions?”

Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, first started the tradition of hiring greeters in 1980. Since then, the position has become synonymous with the Walmart brand and featured in several ad campaigns.

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Making Change at Walmart is a campaign challenging Walmart to help rebuild our economy. Anchored by the UFCW, we are a coalition of Walmart associates, union members, small business owners, religious leaders, womens’ advocacy groups, multi-ethnic coalitions, elected officials, and ordinary citizens who believe that changing Walmart is vital for the future of our country.

Comments

  • SilverSpider101

    It pays to compare…
    WalMart                                                   Kroger(Smiths)

    WalMart Ice Cream $3.38                          Kroger Ice Cream(tastes better 2) $2.98
    ” Cream Cheese Spread(?) $2.48                   ” Soft Cream Cheese $1.99
    Coffee Mate Creamer $3.29                            $2.98
    WalMart Butter $2.68                                Kroger Butter $2.25
    $2.86                – 1/2 Gl Whole Milk -         $2.19