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Walmart Cuts Jobs Of 450 Higher-Level Associates

BENTONVILLE (KFSM) — A Walmart spokesperson confirmed that 450 higher-level, local jobs will be cut starting Friday (Oct. 2). The spokesperson said the em...

BENTONVILLE (KFSM) -- A Walmart spokesperson confirmed that 450 higher-level, local jobs will be cut starting Friday (Oct. 2).

The spokesperson said the employees will get 60 days notice and two weeks of severance for every year of service, plus two months of pay with benefits.

Job search assistance will also be provided as part of the benefits package, said another Walmart spokesperson.

The layoffs are part of restructuring in the Home Office, according to a Walmart press release.

The cuts will mainly occur in three buildings on the Walmart Home Office Campus, the David Glass Technology Center, Sam's Club Home Office and Walmart Home Office, a spokesman said.

Doug McMillon, Walmart CEO, said in the release that changing customers and retail patterns are the cause for the layoffs, and that the company is hoping to be more agile so they can meet customer demand.

In the last 10 years, there have been two other periods of major layoffs: 800 people were let go in 2009 and another 200 people were let go the following year.

McMillon sent the following memo to associates at the Home Office:

"Today we are announcing structure changes that will impact people we care about. As a leader, these are some of the toughest decisions to make. While difficult, I believe these changes will help us become a more nimble organization that serves customers better.

Our customers are changing, retail is changing and we must change. We need to become a more agile company that can easily adapt to shifting customer demand. After months of evaluation, we’ve concluded there is an opportunity to better position our Home Office teams to move with speed and purpose. This results in 450 associates being displaced today.

We are grateful for their service. Taking care of them in this transition is a priority, and we are providing these associates access to services and resources that will help them find their next opportunity.

This is an important time in our history – requiring all of us to think critically about our business and not be afraid to challenge the status quo. For the company, this in part means pulling back in some areas and investing in others.

Today you will be hearing from your leadership about the changes occurring in your area. Please engage your leaders and have the courage to ask questions. We must be transparent with each other so we can begin the process of moving forward.

As we move into the holidays, stay focused on serving our customers. I’m optimistic about our future and the work we will do together. Thank you for all you do every day for each other and our great company."

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