Worldwide, Walmart employs more than 2.3 million associates in its stores, and it describes itself as seeing great value in its associates. However, not all members of the Walmart team display the traits needed to succeed in retail. Therefore, Walmart requires a firing policy to terminate employees when necessary.
Walmart Firing & Termination Policy
Walmart offers staff ‘at-will’ basis contracts, meaning Walmart is free to terminate at any time for any reason as long as it is not discriminatory. Walmart also has a points system, where staff who accrue more than 5 points within a six-month period can be terminated.
To find out more about why Walmart can fire you, Walmart’s employee point system, and getting re-hired at Walmart, keep reading!
Why Can Walmart Fire Me?
Walmart hires staff and operates employment on what is called an ‘at-will’ basis. This means that Walmart can terminate and fire staff, ending the employment contract, at virtually any time.
Walmart does not have to give reasons for employee termination as long as they are consistent with applicable law. The exception to this is termination based on discrimination against employees.
Walmart, as are many other retailers, is not allowed to discriminate against staff members for any of the following: race, color, creed, religion, natural origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, and sex (including pregnancy).
What Is Walmart’s Employee Point System?
Walmart has a system in place that penalizes employees for discretion to keep their stores running smoothly with valued workers.
With this points-based system, employees can be fired from Walmart if they earn five points during a six-month period as it demonstrates poor work ethic.
Walmart employees can be given points for several reasons including:
- Walmart distributes 1 point for staff members who call in and do not show up as scheduled (even if they are calling in sick)
- Unexpected absences at Walmart can be given a 3-point maximum penalty
Additionally, Walmart has a Paid Time-Off system to be used for instances such as employees being sick.
Walmart also allows staff members to trade shifts via their staff app to avoid unauthorized absences or calling in sick.
How Many Points Can You Recieve Until You Get Fired At Walmart?
Walmart’s employee point system states staff members can accrue a maximum of five points for various discretions before termination is required.
If Walmart has employed staff members for less than six months, this is lessened to 4 points before termination.
However, if you have worked for six months or more, you are allowed 5 points before Walmart will terminate your employment.
Is It Hard To Get Fired From Walmart?
While many think a Walmart job is considered “cushy” and almost impossible to get fired from, the opposite is true.
As stated above, Walmart enforces a strict points policy for its employees to ensure any unwanted behavior is penalized.
Additionally, since Walmart’s customer service is considered subpar compared to other retailers, this is something Walmart is actively trying to fix.
So if an employee violates any of the working agreements, Walmart managers will not hesitate to add points to an employee’s profile.
Previously, Walmart also used to work on a maximum of 9 points before an employee could get terminated, but this has now been reduced to 5.
Can Walmart Fire You Without Telling You?
Yes, since Walmart uses ‘at-will” contracts with its employees, it means Walmart is within its rights to fire workers without any notice.
On the flip side of the coin, Walmart employees also have the same rights and can quit their positions without notice.
Does Walmart Pay Out PTO When Fired?
Yes, Walmart does pay out accrued and unused paid time off (PTO) to employees (a maximum of five days) who have been fired. However, the employee must have worked for Walmart for at least 1 year to receive the PTO.
Additionally, this policy may have slight variations as each state has different termination policies, so it is best to check with your local laws.
Will Walmart Rehire Me If I’ve Been Fired?
Whether Walmart will rehire terminated employees depends on the terms by which you exited the company.
Suppose you ended your employment with Walmart on favorable terms, for reasons such as needing time off due to sickness, family issues, or issues unrelated to your work ethic. In that case, you will likely be rehired by Walmart.
However, you must wait 90 days to re-apply, either to your previous Walmart store or a new one.
Additionally, If your reasons for being fired were serious, such as theft, harassment, or assault, it is doubtful Walmart will rehire you.
If your reasons were work-related issues, such as tardiness, bad customer service, or tested reasons, you may need to wait six months to one year to reapply for Walmart again.
Also, Walmart should have conducted an exit interview with you when you left or were fired. During this interview, Walmart should have informed you if you can reapply.
Why Will Walmart Not Rehire Me?
If you have been fired from Walmart for a serious issue, you will not be eligible to be rehired by Walmart.
Issues considered serious by Walmart and similar retailers include any of the following reasons: theft, fraud, harassment of fellow staff or customers, sexual harassment or assault of customers or fellow staff, and violence at work.
These issues will not only prevent you from being rehired by Walmart but will likely result in Walmart pressing criminal charges against you.
Even in the cases of petty theft, such as stealing food or similar items from Walmart, the statute of limitations allows charges to be brought against you by Walmart up to a full year after your termination.
How Can I Be Rehired At Walmart?
If Walmart has previously fired you and you wish to be rehired, there are steps you can take. According to online researchers, the best method of being rehired by Walmart is to contact your former manager or store manager. They will be able to inform you if their current Walmart is seeking to employ people and if you are eligible to be rehired.
To learn more about working at Walmart, you can see our related posts on the Walmart dress code, the Walmart bereavement policy, calling in sick to Walmart, and whether or not Walmart drug tests.
