This past Memorial Day, Walmart announced an expansion to its military leave of absence (MLOA) policy to include basic training to its differential pay policy. Since 2008, Walmart has offered differential pay for specific military assignments meaning that if an associate’s military salary is less than what he or she is making at their job at Walmart, the company pays them the difference while they are on a military leave of absence. The company’s MLOA policy includes assignments lasting more than three days and through the duration of leave. “At Walmart, we’re turning jobs into fulfilling careers for veterans, active service members and their families, and we’re making it easier for them to work, live, and serve,” said Retired Brigadier General Gary Profit, Senior Director of Military Programs for Walmart. “We believe that anyone who wants to serve in our Armed Forces should be able to do so without fear of losing wages or leaving their family in a bind. The changes we’re making will remove financial barriers for all associates serving their country, including those who are starting their service journey through basic training.” Since Memorial Day 2013, Walmart has hired more than 170,000 veterans and promoted more than 22,000 to jobs of greater responsibility.
