Walmart Layoffs 2020: Are Some Employees In Danger Of Losing Their Job?

Walmart (WMT) employees may be in danger of losing their jobs through a new program started by the retailer called the Great Workplace initiative.

Walmart launched the program last spring as an opportunity that would allow its employees to “do meaningful work.” But employees of Walmart are reportedly concerned that their jobs may be cut because of the initiative.

The retail giant has plans to launch the Great Workplace program in 1,110 of its 5,300 U.S. stores by year-end, reportedly causing workers to have to reapply and interview for new positions.

The program is eliminating certain positions within its stores, including hourly supervisors and assistant store managers, and is replacing them with jobs that have more responsibilities often at the same pay rate, The Washington Post reported.

According to the news outlet, many workers are concerned that they will lose their job and their insurance. One customer service manager at a Walmart Neighborhood Market told The Washington Post, “Everyone’s on pins and needles right now.”

The Great Workplace program is part of a plan by Walmart to overhaul the way its stores and distribution centers operate as it looks to increase sales online. Walmart recently discontinued its JetBlack online concierge service and recently reported lackluster e-commerce sales as part of its Q4 earnings report.

Shares of Walmart stock were down 0.79% as of 10:34 a.m. EST on Wednesday.