Wal-Mart to boost managers’ salaries

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is raising the pay of more than 100,000 of its managers and employees in specialized departments.

The wage increase is the next phase in the Bentonville, Ark., company’s “billion-dollar commitment” to upgrading the company’s compensation, hiring, training and scheduling programs in the U.S., spokesman Kory Lundberg said Tuesday.

In February, Wal-Mart said it would raise the minimum wage for about 500,000 employees to at least $10 an hour by February. New hires will start at $9 an hour, but can move to $10 an hour after completing a six-month training program.

Managers in more complex, service-oriented departments such as auto care and electronics will now receive wages starting at $13 an hour, up from $10.30. Wages for managers in less service-oriented departments, such as clothing or luggage, will start at $10.90 an hour, up from $9.90. Specialists who work in departments such as the deli or wireless sales will start at $9.90 an hour, up from $9.20.

Workers will see the increases in their paychecks starting Aug. 13.

Lundberg said Wal-Mart hopes the increases will help reduce employee turnover and improve customer service. Wal-Mart has 1.3 million workers in the U.S.

Wal-Mart shares fell 20 cents, or 0.27%, to $74.53 on Tuesday.