Thread regarding Wal-Mart Stores Inc. layoffs

NWPZ,

I think it is people with long term service and older people. I agree that it doesn't matter how hard you work. Only your age seems to matter and whether you're connected to the right people.

I'll tell you one thing, at all these gatherings where they make you say how long you've been with the company I'm feeling more and more uneasy about answering those questions. I don't want a gold badge either. It feels like all of those people are targeted for layoffs.

The thing I wonder about is if people who were laid off still shop at Walmart? Those folks pretty much got the ultimate screwing, so if that won't change their shopping habits, nothing will.

I don't think it's so much who is 40+. Rather, long term associates with 10+ years. I'll be 35 this month and had 18 (almost 19) years with the company. I was let go like I meant nothing. Worked hard for all those years. Starting as a cashier and finally making my way to the Home Office after 8 years in the store. None of it meant a thing. Also, I am 100% certain that they had no intentions of rehiring me during my grace period. I have a feeling this is a way to rid of all (or a big portion of) long term associates. However, they are trying to do this in a way so they do not get a lawsuit against them. I hate to be bitter and harbor ill feelings but what they are doing is wrong. They want to fire all these long term associates and bring in college students they can pay less. The Walmart culture goes out the door little by little with each associate they let go. Eventually, all Walmart culture will be gone and it will no longer be the company we all once loved and worked our asses off for. I feel sorry for those poor soles that are still there.

It's so true when they interview they look for young people. They also try and get rid of long tearm associates what a sad company. They don't care about you at all!!!!

Lou, that is just going to encourage turnover. If people know not to plan a future at the company, folks will get Walmart on the resume and jump ship as soon as possible.

@7yqj The people in the HO that I knew that were laid off were all older (over 50) and/or had 15+ years with the company.

What I think is happening is the powers that be have the hit list of who they want gone (the more expensive long term associates) and then evaluate that list. They don't have enough females? Then they add to that list. Not enough youngsters to offset the older seasoned workers, add some more to the RIF (reduction in force) list. They continue to play chess with associates livelihoods until they have a list that legal approves so they cannot be sued for discrimination.

If this is true and they get caught at this, it's a matter of time until someone who got let go hires a lawyer. 6ubn, out of curiosity, what age should people target to get out? Is it 40? 50?

If this is true, it'd be nice to know when people need to get out.

I worked in HR in Homeoffice for 11 years and I just had to get out. I told my husband I could not do it anymore. Some of the things they were asking us to do was not right. I can tell you for a fact the leadership wanted older workers gone. We were encouraged to find ways to eliminate certain positions and job categories because of that. I loved Walmart but when I saw what we were doing I knew in my heart I could not do it anymore.

I have for the longest said that a 'system' that can destroy your lifestyle by firing you is a flawed system. The problem is that we have been programmed to trust in such a system. The system is to work for someone or something else instead of owning your own life by working for yourself. I can only imagine what it must feel like to work somewhere for 15 or 20, years (or more) and then get fired for whatever reason. Now you have go and sit in front of some 30, or 20 yr. old and hope s/he accepts you for a new position. That is insulting.

Sounds about right! Most people over 40 are being targeted along with last hired and this I know from being an employee.