Management turnover leads to problems
I have a physical disability which limits the time I can be on my feet. When I was hired at Wal-Mart—through a disability job fair—I asked for shorter shifts. My assistant manager was a good guy and made that happen. I was in softlines so I was on my feet quite a bit, but I managed. Then they started putting new AMs over us every few months. (I was told our original manager stepped down because he couldn’t handle the stress. I believe it.)
Within a year and a half, we were on our fourth one. This one seemed nice but was actually awful. The previous manager had told me that I couldn’t have my shorter shifts anymore and if I needed any accommodation, I would have to bring in documentation. So being unable to work anything beyond 28 hours at that job, I brought in a letter from my doctor that said as much. This seemed perfectly reasonable to me.
Within three days turning in that letter, I was coached for not being productive enough. During my time there, we had lost several employees who were never replaced and there were a few Saturday evenings where it was just me and the fitting room attendant, or me on the fitting room and one other person on the floor. I worked as hard as I could but there is no way I can do three people’s jobs; it is simply impossible. I told her that but she said I wasn’t doing enough.
Due to that being the last straw and other personal circumstances, I ended up leaving the next week. I know they wanted me gone, and they got what they wanted. I didn’t have the emotional energy to fight them, and I think they knew it.
I now refuse to as much as set foot in a Wal-Mart. I wish more people felt the same way. I now have a much better job where I am treated with respect and paid better to boot. I would encourage any Wal-Mart employees to do everything they can to find something better.
- Anonymous
