Even in at my own time at Walmart, It seemed that the strategy was to keep associates isolated and busy. Conversation and teamwork was frowned upon. Leadership among associates was not encouraged. Management never really took the time to get to know the people that worked for them, this is something that always bothered me as an associate. I always asked questions, I always wanted to know why something was done a certain way. I often felt like I was being taught to perform as a robot, with no emotions and no opinions, even though Walmart supposedly offers and open door policy.
Walmart says they have an open door policy. Associates are free to speak with leadership about their concerns or ideas. Myself and other coworkers often spoke to management about better ways to perform certain tasks. The question I always asked was: "Why do we schedule one associate in the Photo Lab during the Christmas rush?" I can't tell you how many associates have quit that position during that time of year. Management never gave us a direct answer to that question other than, "We can't afford that right now." Even when another associate was scheduled, a manager would always pull them to work at another department even when photo was busy. This was an issue throughout the entire store.
Here is a leaked training video from Walmart Associate Orientation Day (Keep in mind that this video was removed after being posted on YouTube. You can view it at the following link):
Walmart: Anti-Union Training Video (Associate Orientation)
In April, Walmart closed 5 of it's stores that simultaneously went through similar "Plumbing Issues." Walmart has yet to begin work on the alleged issues, leaving over 2,000 people out of work. It should be noted that these were stores where associates were attempting to "organize." Walmart is notorious for using scare tactics to keep associates in check.
What is Walmart up to?
Consider these things:
- Walmart recently increased wages for approximately 500,000 associates.
- Walmart recently closed 5 stores where associates were attempting to organize.
- Walmart is trying to both pay and scare their associates into submission.
- Walmart must believe that these tactics will "encourage" (I used that word loosely) associates to have a more positive attitude while working, to ultimately increase the infamous "Bottom Line."
- This is just a trial period. They are trying to see what makes them the most money. They are a huge company and all that matters is dominating the market and making more money by whatever means necessary. It's a business!
My advice to all Walmart Associates, don't ever work for a company that always keeps you in constant, needless fear. If you can, find a new job. If you love Walmart, make the most of your time there. There is no such thing as a perfect company, because there is no perfect individual to run it. There will always be corruption, don't ever be afraid to stand against it. I will say this though, there is always a better company.
http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/17973/walmarts_absurd_anti_union_training_video_just_got_leaked
How Walmart Trains Managers:
http://labornotes.org/blogs/2011/08/how-walmart-trains-managers
