As part of Walmart's additional $1 billion investment in its workers this year, Walmart is giving pay raises to 3,980 associates in New Mexico for the pay period starting April 4th. With the raises, associates will earn at least $1.75 an hour above the federal minimum wage and $1.50 above the New Mexico minimum wage. The new average full-time average hourly wage in New Mexico is now $13.08.
This is the first company-wide increase in wages since its announcement in February to provide even more opportunity for its workers. As of April 4th, all Walmart associates will earn at least $9 per hour and by February 2016 all current associates will earn at least $10 per hour. Walmart is also raising the floor and ceiling of its in-store pay bands in most stores and is providing raises to associates earning at the maximum of their pay band.
Starting wages are just one part of Walmart's commitment to providing associates with clearer career opportunities. Through its Opportunity initiative, Walmart is opening doors for existing and new associates by providing increased scheduling flexibility and control, and new training opportunities for continued growth and advancement beyond entry-level jobs.
"Walmart is a place of opportunity," said Marie Jeffries, Zone Merchandise Supervisor at a northern New Mexico Walmart. "The recently announced changes are creating even more opportunity for associates to earn higher wages, learn new skills, and work toward promotion. I personally appreciate the opportunities I've had at Walmart and the flexibility I have to take care of my family priorities while still pursuing a meaningful career."
Walmart is acting purposefully on wages all along the opportunity ladder. For example, the company is reexamining the department manager roles and will raise the starting wage for some of them to at least $13/hour this summer and at least $15/hour early next year. As part of the company's commitment to associate success, Walmart is also implementing comprehensive changes to its hiring, training, compensation, and scheduling programs, as well as its store structure.
"Walmart is leading the way in restructuring pay rates, which benefits New Mexicans and the New Mexico Economy," said Bob Murphy, executive director of Economic Forum of Albuquerque. "The hourly pay increases as well as the Opportunity Initiative is well-received by the approximate 4,000 New Mexico employees and their families."
Walmart associates from New Mexico and around the country will have greater choice in their work scheduling to better fit their individual needs. To ensure consistency, some associates will have access to fixed schedules that will not change for at least six months. Associates also will have the option to pick their own shifts or continue to be scheduled systematically based on their availability.
Associates will also be introduced to a new development and training program developed by Walmart workers that allows them to improve and build the skills necessary to grow and enhance their careers. The goal of Walmart's transformation effort is to set the stage for future associates and showcase the unique ways Walmart offers appropriate onboarding and training. Robust onboarding and training programs are essential for associates and their careers, ensuring a greater chance for promotions and other advancements.
NOTE: 3,980 associates began earning the higher pay beginning with the April 4th pay period; the first paycheck to include the additional income will be delivered on April 23rd.