Walmart claims that its average hourly wage is $12.92. But to get a sense of just how massaged and manipulated that claim is, you only have to look at the impact of minimum wage increases on the retail giants pay plans. According to an internal Walmart memo obtained by Reuters, the chain will adjust base pay rates at more than 1,400 American stores as a result of minimum wage increases taking effect in 21 states as the new year begins. But while some workers will get a raise thanks not to Walmart but to state and local laws, Walmart is
finding a way to keep its average wages low:
The Wal-Mart memo shows that there will be changes to its pay structure, including a narrowing of the gap in the minimum premium paid to those in higher skilled positions, such as deli associates and department supervisors, over lower grade jobs. [...]
The changes appear in part to be an effort to offset the anticipated upswing in labor costs, according to a manager who was implementing the changes at his store.
"Essentially that wage compression at the upper level of the hourly associate is going to help absorb that cost of the wage increase at the lower level," said the manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Typical Walmart—find a way to keep improvements for some workers from meaning good news for others.