(WTXL) — On Thursday, Walmart announced plans to hire 150,000 new temporary associates as well as cash bonuses for all full- and part-time employees.
In Florida, Walmart plans to hire more than 9,400 associates to work in stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers.
The company says key Florida markets for hiring include Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Panama City, Orlando, Destin and Gulf Shores.
“Walmart associates have gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving our customers during these unprecedented times,” said “We want to reward our associates for their hard work and recognize them for the work that is in front of us.”
The bonus applies to all U.S. hourly associates in stores, clubs, supply chain and offices. The bonus will be $300 for full-time hourly associates and $150 for part-time hourly associates and will add up to more than $365 million.
Every hourly associate employed by the company as of March 1 will qualify, and it will pay out on April 2.
“We know millions of Americans who are usually employed at this time are temporarily out of work, and at the same time we’re currently seeing strong demand in our stores.”
Hourly Q4 bonuses were paid this week, meaning hourly associates will receive bonus payments on March 19, April 2, April 30 and May 28.
Walmart also said they will accelerate the next scheduled quarterly bonus for store, club and supply chain associates by a month.
Overall, roughly $550 million will go to Walmart employees and, in turn, the economy.
Walmart said the additional 150,000 new jobs will initially be temporary, but many will convert to permanent roles over time.
Walmart is also expediting the hiring process from a two-week application cycle to a 24-hour process. Anyone interested in applying should do so at careers.walmart.com.
“We know millions of Americans who are usually employed at this time are temporarily out of work, and at the same time we’re currently seeing strong demand in our stores. We’re looking for people who see Walmart as a chance to earn some extra money and perform a vital service to their community.”
Today’s steps are in addition to last week’s announcement of a new COVID-19 emergency leave policy that provides support to associates if they are impacted by the coronavirus in the following ways:
- if they are uncomfortable coming to work right now and choose to stay home
- if they are part of mandated quarantines or
- if they have a confirmed case of the virus.
