Though Walmart has offered differential pay to military associates since 2008, the addition to the policy now covers employees who want to do “voluntary services,” which includes basic training. Differential pay is given to military employees whose salary is less than what they were making at Walmart, a company statement said.
Walmart will then pay them the difference while they are on leave of absence. The addition goes into effect June 24.
» RELATED: Walmart hires more than 5,000 veterans in Ohio
Retired Brigadier Gen. Gary Profit, senior director of military programs for Walmart, believes the change will help the lives of veterans and their finances.
“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,” Profit said. “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 lurch. 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.”
» RELATED: Walmart awards $840K to fight hunger in Ohio
Since 2013, Walmart has hired more than 170,000 veterans. In the same year, they introduced the Veterans Welcome Home Commitment, a project that guarantees a job offer to any eligible, honorably discharged U.S. veteran who was within 12 months of active duty.
The company also donated a $100,000 grant to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) on Memorial Day. The money will help the organization reach more survivors through their Casework and Emergency Assistance Programs.