Walmart Offers Jobs To Returning War Vets

Geico266

Geico266

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As a veteran, if it truely is a gesture done out of appreciation, then bravo for Walmart.

However, Walmart does not pay a living wage IMO and we owe our veterans at least that. Long ago when I was interested in some government jobs being a veteran counted for less than being a certain sex or ethnic background. They should be at the front of the line for ALL government jobs (fed, state, local), period. Then we can go from there into the private sector.
 
Alexb2000 said:
As a veteran, if it truely is a gesture done out of appreciation, then bravo for Walmart.

However, Walmart does not pay a living wage IMO and we owe our veterans at least that. Long ago when I was interested in some government jobs being a veteran counted for less than being a certain sex or ethnic background. They should be at the front of the line for ALL government jobs (fed, state, local), period. Then we can go from there into the private sector.
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Not a living wage? They pay more than minimum wage, and it beats $0, right?
 
SkyHog said:
Not a living wage? They pay more than minimum wage, and it beats $0, right?
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Can you provide for your family on $8.26 an hour?

Is that the best we can do for our veterans?

Isn't that really what's important vs. arguing over the validity of Walmart jobs?
 
Alexb2000 said:
Can you provide for your family on $8.26 an hour?

Is that the best we can do for our veterans?

Isn't that really what's important vs. arguing over the validity of Walmart jobs?
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What other company, in the history of this country, has offered full time employment to all returning veterans? :dunno:

Certainly, this is not the last job these vets will have, but it is a hell of a lot better than sitting around collecting unemployment, SSI, claiming disability, ect. It is a hand up, not a hand out.
 
WalMart promotes from within, almost exclusively.

Got news for you, as well: jobs with "living wages" are becoming more economically difficult to provide. Employers are being forced to find places to cut headcount.

I think WalMart's initiative is excellent, and I salute them for it.
 
EVERYONE SHOULD BOYCOTT WALMART.

My wife worked at walmart for a few years.

They would give her 40 hrs a week for 7 weeks then on the 8th week cut her hours to keep her part time. No promotions and very very small pay raises.

Then my wife came down with Ovarian Cancer and they fired her.

I stay far away from walmart.
 
Geico266 said:
What other company, in the history of this country, has offered full time employment to all returning veterans? :dunno:

Certainly, this is not the last job these vets will have, but it is a hell of a lot better than sitting around collecting unemployment, SSI, claiming disability, ect. It is a hand up, not a hand out.
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Not a veteran are you?

Plenty of companies have offered preference to veterans. I doubt if any private company was ever in the position to offer full employment, but since Walmart employees 1% of the population and has a very high turnover, they can truly do it.

Once again, I'm not bashing Walmart, only saying we can do better, much better. When I go to the airport and see the TSA agents, I would like to see nothing but veterans, but that isn't even close to the case. Same with the post office, IRS, meter reader, etc.

BTW- Sitting on unemployment, or disability, claiming SSI, is there fricken right if they need it. Unlike most of those other worthless parasites they have 110% earned it.

This thread is becoming really upsetting and disappointing to me, I need to take a break from it.
 
Alexb2000 said:
Not a veteran are you?

Plenty of companies have offered preference to veterans. I doubt if any private company was ever in the position to offer full employment, but since Walmart employees 1% of the population and has a very high turnover, they can truly do it.

Once again, I'm not bashing Walmart, only saying we can do better, much better. When I go to the airport and see the TSA agents, I would like to see nothing but veterans, but that isn't even close to the case. Same with the post office, IRS, meter reader, etc.

BTW- Sitting on unemployment, or disability, claiming SSI, is there fricken right if they need it. Unlike most of those other worthless parasites they have 110% earned it.

This thread is becoming really upsetting and disappointing to me, I need to take a break from it.
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Viet Nam Era. ;)
 
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I'm all for it. Along with a change of policy on confronting shoplifters :)
 
I'm not one to get political or too involved in SZ topics. But I've got to say that I never liked the whole against WalMart issue.

The company came out in public and said "This is what we can afford to pay. If this isn't enough, maybe WalMart isn't the place for you to work." I'd say that's a pretty honest claim.

On top of that, WalMart continually gets shunned for being cheap. Too bad the ones shunning WalMart are the ones demanding the lower prices. If consumers didn't demand the products at the prices offered, it would be a different conversation.

And the claims about WalMart being a manufacturer, promoting child labor. WalMart is a retailer, not a manufacturer. They purchase products from manufacturers. If you don't like who makes the product, don't buy the product, and stop the demand.

They are one of the largest employers in the nation, one of the largest taxpayers in the nation, one of the largest contributors to the communities where they exist, the provide nearly free banking and financial services to those who need it, and all started by a midwestern US born citizen with a vision for growth.

What's the issue?

Go WalMart. Thank you for supporting the veterans.
 
Geico266 said:
What other company, in the history of this country, has offered full time employment to all returning veterans? :dunno:

Certainly, this is not the last job these vets will have, but it is a hell of a lot better than sitting around collecting unemployment, SSI, claiming disability, ect. It is a hand up, not a hand out.
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:yeahthat:And after the Hell that some of them have gone through, a way to work back to some normalcy.
 
Alexb2000 said:
As a veteran, if it truely is a gesture done out of appreciation, then bravo for Walmart.

However, Walmart does not pay a living wage IMO and we owe our veterans at least that. Long ago when I was interested in some government jobs being a veteran counted for less than being a certain sex or ethnic background. They should be at the front of the line for ALL government jobs (fed, state, local), period. Then we can go from there into the private sector.
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Military personnel should not be allowed to work for the Federal Government after they leave the military, for 5 years. Government work breeds clones and institutionalism. Best thing for the government is to cycle through new people with different ideas. The same is true for the employee.
 
jmp470 said:
Military personnel should not be allowed to work for the Federal Government after they leave the military, for 5 years. Government work breeds clones and institutionalism. Best thing for the government is to cycle through new people with different ideas. The same is true for the employee.
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John-

We as a nation asked a bunch of young people to fight two wars over the last 10 years. They volunteered when others didn't and did everything we asked. Today over 5,000 are lost and over 50,000 are wounded. Many will carry those scars for the rest of their lives. If our government at any level has a job and a veteran needs one, then that is an automatic hire IMO. The bottom line is we owe them a great debt.

Otherwise, I would agree 100% with you.
 
Alexb2000 said:
Not a veteran are you?
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Pretty narrow minded; aren't you


Alexb2000 said:
BTW- Sitting on unemployment, or disability, claiming SSI, is there fricken right if they need it. Unlike most of those other worthless parasites they have 110% earned it.
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But then again, keeping their self respect is their freaking right too.

Alexb2000 said:
This thread is becoming really upsetting and disappointing to me, I need to take a break from it.
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It is upsetting me too. Walmart is not making anyone work for them. If they can do better, then more power to them. If they are eligible for public assistance, and that is what they choose; so be it. But Walmart had made a commitment that should be an inspiration to others and some of you people are condemning them for that. But I guess some people just can't help complaining about other people or companies. What have YOU done to help a large number of our veterans get back on their feet?

When someone wants a job the worst position they can be in is "unemployed" Walmart knows this. Many of those veterans will take a job at Walmart and use that as a springboard into something better. Possibly even a career path at Walmart.
 
Some points:

  • This is a publicity stunt
  • Good employees are hard to find at the moment
  • Veterans often make good employees
  • Veterans who can do better should not work for Wal-Mart
  • Complaining about the gesture is silly, unless the unemployment or social security / disability folks start refusing checks if veterans don't take Wal-Mart jobs. If this is the case, maybe we have something to talk about.
In short, Wal-Mart isn't exactly saintly, and they can use some good PR, so they're trying to use vets to get it. Fine, it is good for some of the vets too.
 
Walmart isnt really that cheap! I find other stores to be better and i dont like that store at alll.
 
ChrisK said:
Some points:

  • This is a publicity stunt
  • Good employees are hard to find at the moment
  • Veterans often make good employees
  • Veterans who can do better should not work for Wal-Mart
  • Complaining about the gesture is silly, unless the unemployment or social security / disability folks start refusing checks if veterans don't take Wal-Mart jobs. If this is the case, maybe we have something to talk about.
In short, Wal-Mart isn't exactly saintly, and they can use some good PR, so they're trying to use vets to get it. Fine, it is good for some of the vets too.
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What would your response be if it were Starbucks?
 
JOhnH said:
Pretty narrow minded; aren't you



But then again, keeping their self respect is their freaking right too.

It is upsetting me too. Walmart is not making anyone work for them. If they can do better, then more power to them. If they are eligible for public assistance, and that is what they choose; so be it. But Walmart had made a commitment that should be an inspiration to others and some of you people are condemning them for that. But I guess some people just can't help complaining about other people or companies. What have YOU done to help a large number of our veterans get back on their feet?

When someone wants a job the worst position they can be in is "unemployed" Walmart knows this. Many of those veterans will take a job at Walmart and use that as a springboard into something better. Possibly even a career path at Walmart.
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Feel better now?
 
ChrisK said:
Some points:This is a publicity stunt
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I wouldn't call it a stunt. Maybe a publicity promotion. What company doesn't seek good publicity?

ChrisK said:
Good employees are hard to find at the moment
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Only because too many of them are seduced by government assistance to not work.

ChrisK said:
Veterans often make good employees
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I can't argue with that at all. Some of my best employees were veterans. Unfortunately, they all left after they finished their education. But that was part of the agreement with all of them.

ChrisK said:
Veterans who can do better should not work for Wal-Mart
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That goes for non-veterans too. But a lot of people are grateful that someone will give them a hand instead of a handout when they are in need. Too many just want the handout.

ChrisK said:
Complaining about the gesture is silly, unless the unemployment or social security / disability folks start refusing checks if veterans don't take Wal-Mart jobs. If this is the case, maybe we have something to talk about.
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Sorry, but even a veteran should not be given, or accept unemployment if they can get a Walmart job, unless they are physically incapable of working.

ChrisK said:
In short, Wal-Mart isn't exactly saintly, and they can use some good PR, so they're trying to use vets to get it. Fine, it is good for some of the vets too.
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That is my position too.
 
I HATE Walmart. I hate what it's done to downtowns across America. I hate the way they refuse to stand behind what they sell. I hate the way they treat their vendors.

That said, NO ONE is forced to work there, and no one is forced to shop there. I laud them for their pro-veteran stance.
 
Nice gesture, good PR. Lots of companies try for that kind of thing, especially when they are in controversial industries and want to spruce up their image. I think it's good business with nothing nefarious behind it.
 
100,000 vets in 5 years. 20,000/year. Walmart has 1.4 million employees in the US. That is only 1.4% of their workforce, and you know Walmart has relatively high turnover, so that number is a joke.

The Post Office has the highest % employment of veterans after DoD (something around 20% of their total workforce), but Republicans are too interested in trying to destroy USPS to care who they employ.
 
Alexb2000 said:
John-

We as a nation asked a bunch of young people to fight two wars over the last 10 years. They volunteered when others didn't and did everything we asked. Today over 5,000 are lost and over 50,000 are wounded. Many will carry those scars for the rest of their lives. If our government at any level has a job and a veteran needs one, then that is an automatic hire IMO. The bottom line is we owe them a great debt.

Otherwise, I would agree 100% with you.
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Alex, as an Active Duty, 20 years next month. Served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, and various other spots my country has asked. Oh, was an enlisted Ranger and now an Officer. I will say it bluntly! Numerous vets milk the system. Government positions, that were never needed in the first place, are created just so that people don't have to leave the safety of government employment! Additionally, I forget the year off the top of my head, but it use to be against the law for military officers to work for the government.

On top of that, we need fresh meat in all forms of the government! Governmet workers should be encouraged to work in the civilian sector. It makes for a more rounded individual. An employee that lacks exposure to multiple work ethics, environments, etc, will never the develop the ability to change or adapt to new ideas. And we all know that each generation of youth is different.

Now with that being said, I do have a double amputee working for me... And my god he is driven to stay in the Army. I will go through hell and back to help him out. It is the least I can do. But if he is found medically not able to stay in the Army, I hope that someone gives him a chance... Because his potential is limitless!

Oh, and what about Home Depot, Lowes, GE, etc. that actively seek Veterans?
 
Alexb2000 said:
John-

We as a nation asked a bunch of young people to fight two wars over the last 10 years. They volunteered when others didn't and did everything we asked. Today over 5,000 are lost and over 50,000 are wounded. Many will carry those scars for the rest of their lives. If our government at any level has a job and a veteran needs one, then that is an automatic hire IMO. The bottom line is we owe them a great debt.

Otherwise, I would agree 100% with you.
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We don't owe them anything, other than maybe respect. They volunteered, were compensated for their time and effort and now are leaving to find a new job. In fact, they have various ways to further themselves after they separate from their job, but no, you want more. You want a job given to them. No one held a gun to these people's heads and forced them.
 
KSCessnaDriver said:
We don't owe them anything, other than maybe respect. They volunteered, were compensated for their time and effort and now are leaving to find a new job. In fact, they have various ways to further themselves after they separate from their job, but no, you want more. You want a job given to them. No one held a gun to these people's heads and forced them.
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Just damn. :(
 
KSCessnaDriver said:
We don't owe them anything, other than maybe respect. They volunteered, were compensated for their time and effort and now are leaving to find a new job. In fact, they have various ways to further themselves after they separate from their job, but no, you want more. You want a job given to them. No one held a gun to these people's heads and forced them.
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Their is a reason you don't speak Japanese or German! Your ability to type that, is directly tied to the young men and women who have paid the ultimate price for your freedom. Owe them a job, no. But, you do owe them your thanks.
 
Jeff Oslick said:
100,000 vets in 5 years. 20,000/year. Walmart has 1.4 million employees in the US. That is only 1.4% of their workforce, and you know Walmart has relatively high turnover, so that number is a joke.

The Post Office has the highest % employment of veterans after DoD (something around 20% of their total workforce), but Republicans are too interested in trying to destroy USPS to care who they employ.
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So you berate a successful business for opening up 100K jobs to people who will need and want them, then want to prop up a failed business model because of the welfare it provides... Got it.

Nobody is twisting the vets arms and making them work at Wally World. Some will put on their camo and hold up a sign, some will join the private sector, some will work a government job, some will become successful politicians. A job at Walmart might keep some out of the sign holding group.At the very least it gives an opportunity to contribute. My Aunt retired from WalMart, only job she ever held, she retired very rich(40 years worth of taking advantage of the Walmart stock options will do that) Never worked a job that didn't require a blue smock and raised 2 generations of kids on Walmart salary. her daughters were killed in a car accident and she raised one's son who had serious medical issues, They provided for his medical needs and made large contributions to Lebonher where he was treated.

Well, To be fair, the USPS did keep Lance stocked with the best drugs 30 million will buy.
 
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jmp470 said:
Their is a reason you don't speak Japanese or German! Your ability to type that, is directly tied to the young men and women who have paid the ultimate price for your freedom. Owe them a job, no. But, you do owe them your thanks.
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We owe to the French that we aren't an English Colony still, yet no one seems to thank France.

This nonsense is never-ending. Those who were genuinely forced into service, as in WWII and Vietnam, do deserve thanks. But those who volunteered to go in the military post draft era, yet expected the world to get handed to them because they freaking took a job, don't deserve a thing.
 
jmp470 said:
Alex, as an Active Duty, 20 years next month. Served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, and various other spots my country has asked. Oh, was an enlisted Ranger and now an Officer. I will say it bluntly! Numerous vets milk the system. Government positions, that were never needed in the first place, are created just so that people don't have to leave the safety of government employment! Additionally, I forget the year off the top of my head, but it use to be against the law for military officers to work for the government.

On top of that, we need fresh meat in all forms of the government! Governmet workers should be encouraged to work in the civilian sector. It makes for a more rounded individual. An employee that lacks exposure to multiple work ethics, environments, etc, will never the develop the ability to change or adapt to new ideas. And we all know that each generation of youth is different.

Now with that being said, I do have a double amputee working for me... And my god he is driven to stay in the Army. I will go through hell and back to help him out. It is the least I can do. But if he is found medically not able to stay in the Army, I hope that someone gives him a chance... Because his potential is limitless!

Oh, and what about Home Depot, Lowes, GE, etc. that actively seek Veterans?
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John-

I don't think anyone would argue with your logic or deny that people work the system. Given that reality and the selection criteria that the government uses to hire today, what harm can it do to give veterans the priority?

Even if we disagree on a few minor things, it's just conversation.

Mostly, thank you for your service and helping other soldiers like the one who's story you shared.
 
1600vw said:
EVERYONE SHOULD BOYCOTT WALMART.

My wife worked at walmart for a few years.

They would give her 40 hrs a week for 7 weeks then on the 8th week cut her hours to keep her part time. No promotions and very very small pay raises.

Then my wife came down with Ovarian Cancer and they fired her.

I stay far away from walmart.
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First, I am sorry for you and your wife.

Second, this is exactly who and what I believe Walmart to be.

They make these grandiose public pronouncements just like they did in 2000 "we want American made goods" and then when American companies contacted them to get in the door they would set them up with consultants to expatriate jobs to China. That is right, Walmart had their own consultants to export your jobs to china. This is probably some deal they had with China for letting them open so many stores over there.

Shop local and shop small whenever possible.
 
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