For Immediate Release: March 19, 2009
Contact: Meghan Scott, 202-721-8014


THE TRUTH ABOUT WALMART'S BONUSES
Statement from WakeUpWalmart.com

Today, Walmart announced that they would pay around $2 billion to their hourly workers through direct bonuses, merchandise discounts, contributions to 401(k) retirement plans and profit sharing plans. While acknowledging that any money in workers’ pockets is a good thing in this economy, WakeUpWalmart.com today reminded shoppers that America’s largest private employer can do better.

"Like most things with Walmart, the devil is in the details," said WakeUpWalmart.com director Meghan Scott. "Four-hundred dollars in the pockets of Walmart workers is a nice gesture, but if Walmart really wants to help their workers move forward in a tough economy, it would offer more than a one-time payment – it would raise wages. Walmart’s 1.4 million workers are the backbone of our economy and they can't survive on 20 hours a week, unaffordable health care and virtually no retirement security. In the midst of crucial public debate over the Employee Free Choice Act, one might question Walmart’s timing and motives.

"As the America's largest retailer with billions in profits, Walmart has the power to raise the floor for all American workers. Today's news is encouraging but Walmart has a responsibility to do more."

According to news reports, Wal-Mart said they are giving $933.6 million in bonuses to their hourly workers.

A WakeUpWalmart.com analysis today found that if all of Walmart's American workers received a bonus, each person would receive around $666 on average.

However, calls from Walmart workers around the country reveal that many received far less than that average. Cynthia Murray, a full-time Walmart worker in Laurel, Maryland, reported that she got a bonus of $169.39. Another full-time associate in Wilton, New York, received $423.

Using Walmart's own figures, a full-time employee at 34 hours per week, making the average wage of $10.86 per hour, will earn $19,200.48 per year. The federal government’s definition of poverty for a family of four is $21,200.

###