Wal-Mart says workers' wages are climbing
Wednesday January 11, 12:06 pm ET
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. added 125,000 new jobs in 2005, and the retailer also announced Tuesday that its average hourly wage for full-time store associates rose from $9.68 to $10.11 over the year.
Time for more snow job drivel from from our Treasury Secretary
"This is the result of our company growing to meet the demands of our customers and our total commitment to attracting and retaining the best associates possible," said Lawrence Jackson, executive vice president for the People Division for Wal-Mart Stores.
The nation's largest retailer said that all of its full-time and part-time Wal-Mart associates are eligible for health benefits "after a waiting period in line with that of other retailers."
In some areas, individual health coverage is available for $11 per month and 30 cents more per day for children. The company also said more than three- fourths of Wal-Mart employees have health insurance, either through a company plan, a spouse's plan or Medicare.
The company has been criticized by many labor groups, which say it offers low wages and poor benefits to its employees.