Walmart questioned on sick-leave policy

Sen. Elizabeth Warren wants to know whether Walmart Inc.’s attendance policy complies with federal laws and how the company informs employees of their sick-leave rights.

In a July 28 letter, the Massachusetts Democrat asked Walmart Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon to reply by Aug. 11. Warren sent similar letters to the CEOs of FedEx, Conagra, 3M and Kroger Co.

Warren cites a June report from the legal advocacy group A Better Balance that looked at 66 U.S. companies with attendance policies assigning “points” to workers who call out from work or arrive late for any reason. Employees who accumulate too many points may be disciplined or fired, even if they were sick or out for other federally protected reasons.

Walmart spokesman Randy Hargrove said the company will respond to Warren’s letter by Aug. 11.

“Like any company,” he said, “we have an attendance policy to help ensure we are taking care of our customers. We understand associates may have to miss work on occasion and we have processes in place to assist them. This includes legally protected and authorized absences, such as medical-related accommodation, [Family Medical Leave Act] leave, pregnancy and bereavement, that do not count against the associates’ attendance record.”

“Associates may request a leave of absence or reasonable accommodation at any time by talking with a salaried member of management or a human resources representative,” Hargrove said.