Walmart Cutting Arizona Office Jobs As Some Positions Become Automated
Walmart is eliminating positions that cover accounting and invoicing. The retail giant is expanding its initial test to simplify processes to about 500 stores, mostly in the west.
Two or three back office positions will be eliminated from each store that’s part of the test. In their places, Walmart will use machines to count cash and rely on a central location to handle invoices.
Walmart spokeswoman Delia Garcia couldn’t say how many Arizona employees are affected, but says most stores in the state are part of the test. The company’s website lists 128 stores in Arizona.
Garcia said workers will be offered other jobs with equal pay and responsibility.
“We want to pull them on the sales floor in positions like assistant manager or department manager. Maybe a pharmacy tech or training coordinator.”
When Walmart first tested the program in a few dozen stores, Garcia said about 90 percent of employees accepted new positions with the company.
Earlier this year, Walmart announced more than 30,000 employees in Arizona would receive raises.
