WAL-MART Introduces New Dress Code, Employees Must Buy Own Clothes

[ScreamingMeemie]

http://abc13.com/careers/walmarts-new-dress-code-criticized-by-employees/295823/

snip-

The world's largest retailer has unveiled a new dress code for its massive workforce, Business Insider reports. Starting Sept. 29, associates must wear navy blue or white collared shirts paired with khaki or black pants, capris or skirts.

Employees will also be required to wear a Walmart-branded vest, which the company will provide. However, Walmart says its employees will have to purchase the rest of their work uniform at their own expense. The company even set up a website for employees to buy their new required work clothes at Walmart.

The news has much of the mainly part-time, minimum wage workforce upset. According to post by Gawker, many of the employees have been sounding off on social media saying they can't afford to buy new clothes on a minimum wage salary, even with their employee discount.

Gawker points out that last year, "Walmart gave its shareholders nearly $13 billion in dividends and share repurchases. Walmart employees may purchase new Dickies work pants for the low price of $19.97."


-snip

---------------------------------------------------------


Ugh

[Smarmie Doofus]

1. As long as no one messes w. their charter school "initiatives" .... I'm down with that.

But Walmart should definitely be in charge of "reforming" public education in America.

[sulphurdunn]

141. Yep, one of those initiatives

will be for the charter kids to wear uniforms their parents can purchase cheap from Walmart.

[DeltaLitProf]

183. Surely you're joking.

nt

[Smarmie Doofus]

185. I am; they're not:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/26/us/a-walmart-fortune-spreading-charter-schools.html

A key passage:

>>>In effect, Walton has subsidized an entire charter school system in the nation’s capital, helping to fuel enrollment growth so that close to half of all public school students in the city now attend charters, which receive taxpayer dollars but are privately operated.>>>

Also checkout the cross-fertilization w. Obama-Duncan via Jon Schnur, et al .

[Uben]

2. Walmart is becoming K-MArt

Not quite as schlocky as K-Mart yet, but headed in that direction. Empty shelves, not enough checkers, and now they try to get YOU to check yourself out by not placing enough checkers at the registers. They are desperate! This is the act of a business losing the battle. The practice of placing "yes" people in mgmt. positions has come to fruition. They have incompetence at every level. They are losing money. All signs that Walmart is dying. I hope it does die. IMO the government should send the Waltons a bill for the subsidies state and federal agencies are spending on their employees. The Waltons are some of the biggest scum-sucking pieces of shit in America.

[kcr]

42. I haven't even seen a K Mart in years

The Wal Mart near me looks like a seedy indoor flea market. It's a dump.

[shanti]

85. ours closed a year ago

there was hardly any traffic in the parking lots. it was inevitable.

[Quackers]

182. We have a Kmart here.

There are large tarps hanging from the ceiling to the floor because parts of the store aren't used anymore. Other sections are roped off and filled with empty shelving. It won't be long till they close, I think.

[spinbaby]

99. I was in one recently

While I was in Ohio a few weeks ago, I saw a KMart at the St.Clairsville mall and went in out of curiosity because I hadn't seen one in years. I was shocked at how cheap the merchandise was--the place makes Walmart look like a luxury goods store.

[demigoddess]

109. in days past you could buy decent linens

(Martha Stewart etc) there and at Target. Not so much anymore. I bought a couple of mattress pads online from each of them lately and they were cruddy. Hardly any cotton, and they shrunk to practically crib size. Never buy from them again.

[kcr]

118. I remember they used to have a nice little craft section

in the corner of the store, like a mini Joanne Fabric.

[Louisiana1976]

158. Kmart doesn't have one anymore and I missed it when I was doing crafts.

[LittleGirl]

43. That's why I won't shop there

I pay high enough taxes so that their employees can get some food stamps or housing allowances that Walmart refuses to pay their hard working employees. I'll never step foot in one again.

[elzenmahn]

180. The Walton family...

...does not need ONE MORE FREAKING DIME from me. I haven't shopped there in years, and don't intend to ever shop there again.

[Salviati]

70. Honestly...

...I thought they looked like dumps 20 years ago. Hardly set foot in one even before I knew how awful they were as a business.

[LovingA2andMI]

78. Right on Point......

As a Michigander, holding a M.B.A. and previously worked in retail management for years..... Yes Walmart is dying a slow death, just like Kmart did years beforehand. Remember, Kmart was headquartered in Michigan, in the City of Troy. We in the Great Lakes saw the slow death of Kmart and their blue light specials first....and it wasn't pretty at all.

Walmart will be next.

[1dogleft]

136. Well..

KMart can't be doing that bad, they own Sears

[cstanleytech]

171. Sears owns them actually and yes they are doing badly largely because they

let their stores get run down and dont invest in them as much as they should.

[1dogleft]

176. sorry, hate to be a stickler

but K mart owns Sears. I know, it shocked me to but facts is facts

[cstanleytech]

179. Meh whatever Kmart is still going down the toilet

and its sad really as I grew up with them.

[Warpy]

155. K Mart is much better than Walmart

The clothing is occasionally 100% cotton and hangs together a lot longer.

I would suggest any Wal Mart employee who has to purchase pants or a shirt try Kmart. It's better quality and will last longer from there.

[Freddie]

167. I prefer Kmart

We have both in my town and I avoid Walmart like the plague, only going there for photos. For other stuff the local Kmart is a much better shopping experience, easy parking, no lines at the checkout...it's truly amazing they're still in business. Our Kmart is clean and well stocked, and I see the same people working there for years.

[blackspade]

3. So, this is a new revenue stream that one of the Walton's dreamed up?

[underpants]

5. I owe my soul to the company store

[IdaBriggs]

6. Wow!!! What a talent!

Thank you for sharing!!!

Now I will have an ear worm for the rest of the day! Lol!

[Brigid]

27. Here's a version with Johnny Cash I like even better:

[homegirl]

156. Mazny thanks

for posting this Johnny Cash classic. And I am sure the Koch Bros would pay millions to return to those conditions.

[starroute]

71. I favor the rockabilly version

Go, cat, dig that coal!

[heaven05]

13. truly

I was trying to remember this the other day while driving around. Got busy and slipped my mind before I could 'net it' to find out. thanks. Grew up with this song.

[blackspade]

25. Indeed.

[csziggy]

95. For the modern images I like the version from Joe vs. the Volcano

By Eric Burdon:

It shows the soul crushing effect of a corporate owned world.

Since the resolution and sound quality of that video is bad here is the official video of that version of the song:

[underpants]

105. "I didn't say that. If I'd said that I'd be wrong"

Joe's boss. Love that movie.

"Have you thought much about luggage, sir? No. It is the central pre-occupation of my life"

"May you live to be a THOUSAND YEARS OLD sir"

[csziggy]

112. I also love Abe Vigoda in it

Unfortunately, this is the only clip I could find with him in it:

[DeadLetterOffice]

126. I love this version. And this movie.

[riqster]

47. Not new. Serfs were treated thus in the Middle Ages.

[tanyev]

4. Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go I owe my soul to the company store.

[marble falls]

7. I'm sick to death of WalMart. I am afraid of what will replace it.

[knightmaar]

9. Costco will replace it.

I hope.

[daleanime]

17. You and me both...

[LittleGirl]

44. Ding, ding, ding

we have a winner!

[BrotherIvan]

137. Online was 41% of last Xmas

I think most brick and mortar will go out of business other than perishables.

[awoke_in_2003]

162. God, I hope not...

buying clothes online is risky. Even with simple blue jeans, a 32 inch waist means different things to different countries of origin.

[knightmaar]

8. Are they opening their own internal Cash Advance Store?

That'll be next.

They'll loan their own employees advances on their paycheques at usurious interest rates.

[arcane1]

113. For god's sake, don't give these greedy ghouls any ideas!!

Combine that with the life insurance policies they get on their employees. Then create a derivatives market based on the likelihood of the employee dying before they can pay off their payday loan.

Gold!

[raven mad]

165. I don't know if this is everywhere, but here they already have

a check-cashing service for payroll checks. They take 10%. Just another reason to never, ever shop there.

[bigwillq]

10. Just another reason never to shop there.

Walmart is gross.

[yuiyoshida]

11. They are not allowed to operate in the city and county

of San Francisco, the best thing the board of Supervisors ever voted for.

[itsrobert]

127. Just like the 49ers

n/t

[yuiyoshida]

128. Well, hey..I am a Raiders fan...

I don't care if the 49ers play in Nome Alaska.

[raven mad]

166. If they do, you'll meet some terrific folks in Nome!

And you're invited to stop off in Fairbanks on your way home!

[heaven05]

12. rich, greedy waltons

employees have to apply for food stamps to supplement their meager pay and now........the greed of american capitalists is getting outrageous. When will enough be enough for these greedy fucks.....????!!!!!

[heaven05]

14. I'm on an 'in a fix' income

and some months lately, twenty dollars can make me or break me. These employees make less than me. This is outrageous. They don't buy, they get fired, I bet.

[99Forever]

16. Time for a class action . nt

[Hotler]

18. Stop feeding the beast. Boycott Walmart.

I never shop at Walmart.

[procon]

19. How is that even legal?

A company can have reasonable dress code, but not mandate specific styles, colors or brands that would be considered a company uniform.

My niece worked a bank that tried something similar, demanding workers purchase uniform clothing from a catalog that in turn awarded the bank bonus money. The employees went to the state labor board and when the bank found out they not only had to buy the uniforms, but also pay for the cleaning, they dropped the whole thing.

[Travis_0004]

39. Doesnt target have a specific dress code?

Pretty much every employee is wearing khakis and a red polo, but their shirts are often different shades of red so I dont think the company buys them.

[mythology]

65. That's correct

I used to work at Target and we had to buy our own work clothes.

[LiberalEsto]

61. When my daughters worked as waitresses they routinely had to buy certain clothes and shoes

out of their pathetic $2.13 an hour plus the tips they had to share with other workers.

[Dopers_Greed]

93. Most retailers do it

I worked at Best Buy for a few years. The dress code was (I'm not even kidding here) two pages long. Some of the rules were...

Branded blue polo shirt (that employees had to purchase from the company).
Shoes could only be solid black or brown, no other colors. I got in trouble for my black shoes having white on the sides of soles.
Belts were required had to match the color of shoes.
Shirt always had to be tucked in, even when store was closed.

They enforced every last rule too.

[renate]

100. I would NEVER buy anything from a salesperson with white on the sides of their shoes!

And if their belt didn't match I would get the vapors.

That's horrible. Does any shopper even 1) notice these things or 2) give one tiny little damn?

[awoke_in_2003]

163. I know I don't...

as long as the appearance is neat I don't care. Now, what will ruffle my feathers is cashiers who can not keep bills all facing the same way. When I was in retail management, I insisted my cashiers do this. It makes counting money at the end of the night easier.

[xmas74]

145. I work at a place where I have to purchase my own pants.

They must be black work slacks. I also have to purchase my work shoes, which are from a specific company that supposedly guarantees their shoes. If an employee slips and falls they will pay for their medical claims, upwards of $5,000. We are not allowed to deviate from the color of shoes or pants and the shoes must be purchased by that company only or else we are not allowed to work that day.

[madmom]

186. My daughter works for an ambulette service, they are required to

wear not only specific colors but specific styles of pants and a company shirt. The pants are expensive, the company gives one shirt. When they are supposed to be washed ..who knows. So it's not just retail, it's pretty much SOP for many companies.

[sweetapogee]

217. I'm a volunteer

firefighter and EMT. In both cases, although different compnies, I have to supply my own pants and shoes.

For EMS work I have 2 prs. of BDUs and a pair of converse EMS boots. For Fire I use regular black kaki pants and my regular dress black shoes. Paid for my me. Especally for EMS the clothing can get quite dirty.

[madmom]

218. Thank you for what you do. My daughter is also a

trained EMT and working on fire and medic. The clothes do get quite dirty and that says nothing of the expense, these EMT approved apparel is not cheap by any means!

[DhhD]

20. New low from the Walton's; trying to restructure their workforce by legally ridding themselves

of the people it created, moving to those who are not as poor, who need part time work and have other income and now insurance thanks to the ACA. Finding about possible hirees using ACA status on an application, tells Walmart about the applicant's annual income circumstances.

These very poor workers who cannot afford their own uniform, will be forced to leave Walmart to find work somewhere else and wear their own clothes. America is a sad place to live and work in. Congressional Republicans are to blame in my opinion. Obama is traveling around the country reminding you to hold your congress persons responsible for this problem and tell them to fix it by public law.

[maddiemom]

21. I'm certainly no fan or defender of Wal-Mart, HOWEVER: I've worked retail in a number of stores

over the last four decades. They have all had a dress code, from super stylish in high end department stores, to usually black or tan trousers and plain tops in the chains that do give you a vest or apron. In all cases the employee is expected to provide his or her own basic clothes (at best purchased with the store discount). I have no experience with Wal-Mart, but don't imagine they have ever provided basic clothes for their employees. Is the problem that Wal-Mart employees could wear ANYTHING they chose before now? I doubt it. Retail dress codes are the norm, and I've never heard of any store that doesn't expect you to provide your own clothes that conform. I worked as a waitress during college summers, and most places would give you an advance for the uniform if it wasn't provided, but take it out of your meager salary. Many provided the uniform, but expected it back when you left. I've no love for Wal-Mart, and avoid shopping there when possible. This expectation of employee dress doesn't sound at all unreasonable to me.

[Demit]

36. I'm just curious. When is it not possible for you to avoid shopping at Walmart?

I mean, if it's possible some times, why not all times?

[maddiemom]

51. Well, that's due to my own poor willpower. I have, many times sworn I would never again shop

at Wal-Mart, then some real bargain comes up, or I'm comparing prices ( although often better bargains can be found elsewhere and some other retailers can "suck" just as bad) and I just end up at Wal-Mart. Incidentally, my sister-in-law was a manager (eventually) and trainer with them for years and was perfectly happy with their treatment in her case. With better willpower I COULD avoid shopping there, but I suspect that's the case with many on and off customers.

[xmas74]

148. I know in my case

I don't buy groceries at Walmart but there are some things, like computer paper, where Walmart is the only game in town. It also is where I seem to be stuck buying things for my kid whenever she needs something for school at the last minute.

[kcr]

50. It's not the fact they have a dress code. It is how specific the dress code is.

Mandating only certain colors makes it a uniform. And uniforms are supposed to be a company expense, not an employee one.

[maddiemom]

57. I've worked at one major department store that required business suits or dresses

(men might get away with a long-sleeved shirt and tie). At two chain and one local business, black or tan/khaki slacks were required. I never thought this was unusual due to the (admittedly relaxing) dress code when I worked professionally (as a teacher. Jeans are now allowed). What used to be "casual Friday" attire, is now often the norm all week. Nonetheless, I still see mostly black or tan slacks (other than jeans) almost everywhere I shop.

[kcr]

67. Ok

I've worked and shopped at retail, too. Lots of corporations ignore labor laws. ETA that unless the cost of the uniforms brings wages lower than minimum wage in that pay period, the law isn't enforced because of a court decision regarding the Fair Labor Standards Act , only the minimum wage over time rules can be enforced.. It's weird and complicated. But in Wal Mart's case enforcement could be possible for many of its employees due to how poorly they are paid.

[yeoman6987]

202. Are you sure Walmart pays min wage?

I worked at Walmart in 1995 and was paid 6.25 an hour and then got a raise at some point. It was part time and I put my pay check into the stock. Smartest thing I ever did. That stock has gone up a lot since. Now I don't know about pay anymore, but do that really start at minimum wage?

[kcr]

208. What, are you asking me if they break that law? Or saying they may pay more?

What you were paid in 1995 may have had to do with where you lived. Different states and municipalities have different minimum wage laws that are sometimes higher than the base Federal minimum wage.

[yeoman6987]

209. Thanks! That is true about states. I was in Rhode Island

[wickerwoman]

117. I worked at OfficeMax back in the day

and they required black slacks and black shoes which the employees had to buy and they provided blue polo shirts.

It was the same at several supermarkets I worked at in the 90s. They mandated type and colour of clothers and then provided their vests.

I'm no fan of Walmart but this certainly isn't a new or unusual practice.

[kcr]

119. It doesn't matter if it's not new. I don't think anyone is claiming it is.

[Shadowflash]

22. If customers won't spend money

Force the employees to do it, instead.

I think wally world is not going to be a force in the industry much longer.

[valerief]

23. Fuckin' plantation owners. They're nothing more than that. nt

[TRoN33]

24. Wal-Mart is about three miles from me but...

I would rather to drive 20 miles to buy Godzilla movie at Target. Screw walmart corporate honchos. They makes me sick.

[navarth]

35. Target?

I heard somewhere they're pretty bad too.

[former9thward]

38. So you add an additional 34 miles to your carbon footprint.

Global warming and the oil companies thank you.

[Terra Alta]

66. Target is no better than Walmart.

Target is also viciously ani-union, and from what I've heard they are worse than Walmart on some issues.

[LovingA2andMI]

81. Well.....This Person Will...?

Continue to shop at Target before ever stepping one toe in Walmart. It is what it is.

[greiner3]

108. I've tried and tried and...

To spend my dollars at KMart but the store is dingy, the employees are, at best rude and at worst downright nasty, their prices are not that competitive, the parking lot is like driving on the Moon (potholes), the selection is not very good, the last 2 times I used the pharmacy the male pharmacist tried pretty hard to pick me up and the last one was rude to my mother who was with me, their return policy is crap, etc...

I won't use WalMart and the only other viable option is Target.

There is a Kohl's but I don't buy many clothes and for larger ticket items there is the internet.

[denbot]

26. STRIKE,

Nuff said..

[Terra Alta]

83. Easier said than done. Nt

[Lars39]

28. Not even offering a 'uniform allowance'?

Dickies needs to know this isn't acceptable also.
Just another reason employees need unions.

[liberal N proud]

29. The blue collared shirts and khakis have been dress code for several years already

It just wasn't enforced at all locations.

And Walmart is supplying the vests.

The story is very misleading. There are a lot of things to find fault with at Walmart without this kind of poor propaganda.

[SunSeeker]

94. How is it "propaganda"? There is nothing false in this story.

If requiring the employee to purchase a uniform brings that employee's minimum wage pay to below minimum wage, then it is a labor law violation, as noted up the thread.

[liberal N proud]

116. The fact that their dress code is new is false

It is what it has been for several years and they have always had to buy their own clothes as do most working staff at any company.

[kcr]

120. Well there are sources that say it's new

Where is your source that says it's false?

[liberal N proud]

121. I have an inside source that says otherwise

Inside Walmart!!!!

[kcr]

122. Maybe they should share with the media, then n/t

[madmom]

187. I worked for Walmart for several years starting in 2003,

I was required to wear khaki pants and dark blue shirt. There is nothing new in this dress code from the time of my employment. You have that from an "inside source".

[kcr]

189. I'll take it into consideration along with the employees who say it's new

[madmom]

193. Makes no difference to me what you "take into consideration". I know

for a fact what I had to wear.

When my son worked at Lowe's he was required to wear khakis and a blue shirt, when my daughter worked at Meijer she was required to wear khakis and a red polo. Neither of which were furnished for them.

My daughter now works for an ambulette service, she is required to wear a specific style as well as color pants, the company provides one shirt with their logo, that she must wear.

When my dad worked for General Motors back in the 70's, he was a foreman on the floor, he was required to wear a shirt and tie, even though he would come home just a dirty and greasy as the folks working on the lines. This is not new and has been going on for years. You should place you outrage on something more worthy.

[kcr]

197. Glad you're okay with me not taking your word for it

It's not that I don't believe you. I just don't think the other employees are lying either. I don't think your memories of what you had to wear in the past means Wal Mart is just fine and dandy. You realize that no one is saying that no one ever in history has ever had to wear a uniform before.

[madmom]

198. I don't see in my comments that I said

walmart was "just fine and dandy". I'm just saying you are looking for something the be outraged at walmart for and this is not it.

Besides it's a dress code, not a uniform. A uniform is where everything is exactly the same, thus the word "uniform". A dress code is not necessarily uniform outside of certain criteria, same color etc.

In a school dress code they can say .. no logo tee shirts, etc, but they are not saying all shirts have to be the same as in "uniform".
All skirts can be no more than 3" above the knee, not that all skirts must be 3" above the knee, as in "uniform".

[kcr]

199. No need to look for things to be outraged at Wal Mart for

And I do think it's perfectly fine to point out just one of the many ways that Wal Mart is awful. They should provide an allowance for their employees if they aren't going to pay them a decent wage.

[madmom]

201. Yes but so should everyone else, no double standard. Have you

ever shopped at Lowe's? Ever own a GM product? Those a just two of the many that do the same thing.

Be outraged at the low wages, the bad hours, or no insurance.

The dress code thing has been practiced for years and by good companies as well as bad.

[SunSeeker]

129. But it is new in the sense of what is now required.

Yes they had a dress code before, but not as specific as what will be enforced starting September 29. Requiring pants that cost $20 means a minimum wage employee is getting less than minimum wage, which is a violation of labor law.

Seriously? You think Business Insider is pushing anti-Walmart propaganda?

[denbot]

30. STRIKE,

Nuff said..

[Laelth]

32. Agreed. We need a general strike.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_strike

-Laelth

[jen63]

40. Agreed!

The UFCW has been trying to organize Walmart for decades. The propaganda inside the stores is overwhelming though and the company has spies who look for any one who may be "organizing". I've read stories about employees who are afraid to be seen together at breaks, because they're afraid they will be accused of trying to organize and get fired. This company is the devil.

[Laelth]

31. Lovely. (sarcasm) n/t

-Laelth

[City Lights]

33. They get worse with each passing day. nt

[B Calm]

34. When I drove for non union Autozone, we HAD TO BUY their uniform.

[Blue Owl]

37. Don't forget to smile while you bend over

[Tree-Hugger]

41. This is new?

Blue and khaki has been the required uniform for many years here, with the employees buying their own clothing. Wal-mart has provided the vests and anything needing their logo. For our area, this is nothing new.

[sir pball]

103. The collars are new, at least since 2009.

When I was in, it was khaki pants or skirts (no shorts, but cargo pants were OK) and blue tees or polos. Seems like all they've done is eliminated the T-shirt option; anybody who's worked at a store where the code was enforced should already have the pants.

[Glorfindel]

45. When I worked in the health-care industry (several years ago)

Minimum-wage workers such as newly hired nursing assistants who were required to wear uniforms had to be given a clothing allowance, because if they were required to buy their own uniforms, the institution employing them was not in compliance with the wage and hour laws. Obviously this is no longer the case, or Wal-Mart couldn't get away with this requirement. What a shame.

[Lars39]

55. **Yes**

This is what I remember, too.

[a kennedy]

46. Reading the comments under the story.....I'd say over 80% think they SHOULD buy their own uniforms..

tough crowd.

[Lars39]

54. Truly. Have people never heard of a 'uniform allowance'?

[conservaphobe]

48. This is a crappy policy, but it's not new.

Navy blue shirts and khakis were the dress code when I worked there 3-4 years ago.

[closeupready]

49. $19.97 is a LOT for those living on minimum wage.

[Hubert Flottz]

52. They owe their soul...to the company store.

They will be paying off with Wally World "Scrip" next.

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~kyperry3/Scripts_by_Freddie.html

Wally-World "Rolling Back" American labor to the "Guilded Age."

[ladjf]

53. Greed is an incurable disease. nt

[Initech]

82. And the really sad thing is that the wealth addicted don't know ir care what they're doing.

Got to make those precious billions.

[ladjf]

104. I believe that such greed is neurotic behavior left over

from ancient days when survival depended totally depended on the acquisition of food and goods.

As humans improved their ability to acquire enough to survive, they weren't able to rid themselves of the "greed instinct".

They've either got to realize that their current behavior is destroying life on Earth or suffer the grim consequences.

[YarnAddict]

56. Not unreasonable

I don't think this is unreasonable.

Presuming that the employees can wear this "uniform" outside of work--any why not, since it doesn't have a logo?--this is just another polo shirt and khaki pants. Pretty basic stuff, IMHO. Heck, those are the kind of things they can probably get at Goodwill, or even a rummage sale.

I have worked at places where they have much more specific dress codes that were rigidly enforced. Bottom line, as employees we represented the company, and they had the right to tell us how they expected us to dress.

[Terra Alta]

63. You are exactly right.

The uniforms are not required to have the Walmart logo on them(although the ones purchased off the Walmart associate site do). The uniforms can be bought pretty cheap at Goodwill or other thrift stores.

[Hugabear]

106. Walmart thanks you for your support.

Glad to see you're on the side of a multi-billion dollar corporation instead of the minimum-wage workers.

[YarnAddict]

140. Oh, please

This is not nearly as outrageous as you seem to think. Did you miss the part where I said they could get the required items at Goodwill?

Any company has the right to set standards for the appearance of their employees.

If they don't like it, they are free to work elsewhere.

[SoapBox]

212. I hope the Goodwill comment is a joke

because I didn't really think it funny.

Working part time hours, for minimum wage, with a required uniform that is suggested be bought at second hand clothing stores...all while the corporation, it's owners, executives and.shareholders rake in untold millions.

[YarnAddict]

216. No, it wasn't a joke

Lots of people--at all income levels--shop at Goodwill. You can often find brand new clothing, donated by department and specialty stores, once it is out of season or overstocked.

If the dress code requirement was more specific than collared shirt of a particular color and black or tan pants, you might have a point, but most people probably already have those items in their closet. If they don't, they are easily (and cheaply) attainable.

The bank where I worked for a few years required male employees, including tellers who started at not a whole lot more than minimum wage, to wear dress shirts, ties, and jackets. Now that would be a real hit to the wallet. Collared shirt with black or tan pants, not so much.

[JanMichael]

123. Exactly the reasons the rich brats that own Walmart came up

with!

[YarnAddict]

139. Yes, because

everyone who isn't outraged by EVERYTHING Wally World does is a biiiiiiiiiiiiiig supporter of the Walton family and corporate greed!!!!!!

[JanMichael]

144. you are hilarious

been seeing posts like this for over 10 years on DU now. Good luck.

[yallerdawg]

58. Another blast from the recent past.

Or the more things stay the same?

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[BlueinOhio]

59. Dress code

The workers had to buy the navy blue and khaki clothes. At least the new colors can be worn with other clothes. The one thing the store did was they used to have the right color shirts at a low price, once they make it madatory they quit selling the cheaper shirts. So the workers at Wal Mart know the shirts are cheaper at K-Mart all went to K-Mart to get their shirts to wear to work at Wal-Mart.

[unblock]

60. because they haven't found any business success without uniformed workers?

i guess as a desperation way to generate sales and stave off bankruptcy, this makes perfect sense.

is there something mal-wart isn't telling us?

hmmm...

[Terra Alta]

62. Not really "new".

I've been working for Walmart for going on ten years now, and the blue shirts and khaki pants have been standard since 2007. The only difference is they are now allowing associates to wear white shirts and black pants, and bringing back the vests. The vests will be provided to all associates free of charge.

Trust me there is a lot Walmart deserves criticism for, but this is not one of them.

[tabbycat31]

64. As much as I hate walmart, I don't have an issue with this

I used to work in a mall retail store (one known for scented lotions) and our dress code there was black or khaki bottoms and black or white shirt. They didn't provide it at all but we were required to wear an apron (which they provided and we left at the store).

Last time I was in the Evil Empire, I saw the employees wearing khaki bottoms and navy shirts.

Just curious, do any of you have problems with Target's dress code (red shirt, khaki bottoms). I'm 99.9% sure that Target employees provide their own clothes too because I see so many variations of the shirts and khakis.

[yallerdawg]

68. This is all about control and conditioning.

Dress codes can be for the employee's comfort, utility of the clothing and type of work, and some professionalism depending on job and position.

If it is that important to the company, why wouldn't they provide the uniform? The company-provided vest isn't enough for uniformity? What purpose does requiring a particular outfit serve?

This is also a condition of employment and continuation of employment. No excuses -- you don't have the proper attire you are not respected as a human being -- you will not be allowed to work. Because behaving like sheep is important for the company culture.

If you go along with it, no protests or complaints, "What's the problem?," you are!

Next, they'll want you to pay them for the privilege of working for that company! As if they aren't skimming off your labor anyway!

[Tom Ripley]

110. +1000

[louis-t]

69. God, they are an ugly, horrible bunch of people.

This...is...wage...theft. Plain and simple.

[packman]

72. On the positive side - TAX DEDUCTION

If it's a required "uniform" for employment, it's tax deductable.

I hate Wal-mart for what it is, what it's done. However, this isn't up there with the top 100 reasons why I will NEVER shop in that shit store.

[Travis_0004]

75. Nope

To meet the deduction the uniform must not be suitable for everyday wear. A police uniform would meet this standard, but a polo shirt would not.

[LeftyMom]

80. I doubt many people on WalMart wages itemize. nt

[packman]

90. Of course,

Both of the responses to my post are correct. Wal-mart wins again - fuck them.

[dilby]

73. Pretty sure all companies require you to buy your own clothes for work.

I could understand if they were required to buy some Walmart logo shirts or something but pretty much every company has a dress code and the employee is required to buy their own clothing.

[cstanleytech]

76. Exactly. The real thing to be angry about walmart imo is the poverty level wages

so many of their workers earn from walmart.

[kcr]

125. This is part of that issue

Uniforms are supposed to be a company expense. It is a form of wage theft to require employees to pick up that cost and against labor laws.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

132. No, it's not against labor laws

It may well be a pain in the ass, but it isn't illegal.

[kcr]

135. If they aren't making up the difference for employees

if the cost makes their wages drop below minimum wage for that pay period, then they are indeed breaking the law. And since this is Wal Mart and they pay so low, what do you think?

Law or not, it's a shitty thing to do to employees when you pay them peanuts.

[Travis_0004]

142. A dress code is not a uniform

If the dress code says wear khakis and a polo, then that is not a uniform.

If they required a blue polo with a walmart logo you could only buy from them that would be a uniform.

[kcr]

147. If the khakis and polo have to be a specific color, then it's a uniform

They have to buy new clothes to conform to the policy and it has to come out of their pockets.

[cstanleytech]

157. If they have to buy it from the company and only the company I would agree 100% however

they dont have to buy them there and its no different than if walmart just announced that employees had to wear green shirts instead but regardless I still believe the focus should be on how many people who work for walmart are struggling and living in poverty because walmart "doesnt want to" pay a livable wage to the majority of its workers.

[kcr]

190. What does it matter where they have to buy it from?

A company paying their employees a pittance and then changing dress requirements that puts a financial burden on them is wrong.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

151. I agree 100% that it's shitty

But these aren't uniforms, and the employees are not forced to buy them from Walmart.

Not being actual uniforms makes all the difference.

[kcr]

192. It makes no difference

If the clothes didn't have to match they could use some clothes they already have. It wouldn't narrow their choices and make it harder to find cheaper options. It wouldn't make laundering more expensive. Narrowly restricted wardrobe requirements, whatever they are called, are a financial burden.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

195. I agree they are a financial burden

That doesn't change the fact that they aren't uniforms and thus not subject to the rules regarding purchase and minimum wage.

[kcr]

196. As a blanket statement that isn't true

State laws have their own guidelines and in some cases they would be. But the whole matter of whether it is legal is really meant to detract from how awful Wal Mart is to begin with, and as I've said, really doesn't matter. Whether it's legal or not, Wal Mart shouldn't do it. If they're going to insist everyone match they should buy them or give a clothing allowance.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

206. I've agreed repeatedly that it's a shitty thing for Walmart to do

My disagreement with you has to do with your blanket statement that what they're doing is breaking the law by not providing the clothing or a clothing allowance.

[kcr]

207. You're conflating my different arguments with different people in this thread

Some of them were in response to people who claim there are no laws regarding the matter, which just isn't true. My point about them being uniforms is regarding their burden. There are a lot of people who simply don't see what the issue is, because employers have been requiring this all the time, this is nothing new, blah blah blah.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

210. I'm not conflating anything

This is what you said:

Uniforms are supposed to be a company expense. It is a form of wage theft to require employees to pick up that cost and against labor laws.

Under federal law, in certain circumstances, companies must provide uniforms. Not in all cases, in some cases.

It could well be that there are state laws that say companies must provide clothing that conforms with company directed dress codes that don't include uniforms, I don't know.

I was just pointing out that as a blanket statement, what you said above is incorrect.

[Gormy Cuss]

204. Yes, and that's why this is a crappy, cheap thing to do to its underpaid, benefits-lacking employees

Spend the buck and give the employees a clothing allowance for Walmart stocked khakis and blue polos.

[cstanleytech]

143. Its not a uniform its a dress code.

Which is probably why walmart wont have to cover the costs themselves.

[kcr]

149. If it doesn't matter what color it is, it's a dress code

If they all have to match and be a specific color, it's a uniform.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

152. Sorry, but that's just not correct

There is a difference between a uniform and clothes that have to be specific colors.

[kcr]

191. I love how everying thinks they're correcting me on points that really don't frigging matter.

Why does it matter? If a company like Wal Mart pays their employees so awfully that the community has to pick up the slack to make sure they aren't living on the streets, and even them sometimes they are, then requiring matchy matchy clothes, which places a significant burden on employees no matter what you fucking call it, then they are wrong to do so. If you think it's a victory to call it uniforms, well there you go. Call it uniforms. It doesn't magically make them cost less, does it? Unforms. Dress code. Matchy Matchy. What the hell ever.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

211. I don't see why you're so upset

When you make a blanket statement that is incorrect, you really shouldn't be upset when you're corrected.

[tabbycat31]

178. IMO there's a difference between a dress code and uniform

A dress code is saying 'white shirt black pants' and they really don't care what style or brand the clothing is as long as it is those required colors. Someone could be wearing stylish black skinny jeans and a white lace shirt and the next person could be wearing the K-mart special which is presentable but would not make fashion magazines and they still both meet dress code. A fashion forward 20 year old and a 60 something would probably be dressed differently in this scenario.

Uniform means that everyone has to wear the same style of black shirt and white pants (maybe there's a difference for male and female).

To use schools as an example. Some schools just mandate the type and/or color of shirt (ie red polo) and the color of pants/skirt the kids will wear (khaki) where others want the kids to wear full uniforms (think plaid jumpers at Catholic schools), sweaters and shirts with the school logo, etc. The stricter uniforms mandate what type of shoes to wear down to the brands.

I've worked several retail jobs. When I worked at a movie theater, we had a full-fledged uniform that was provided for us. Polo shirts with the chain's logo on it and a certain style of pants (other jobs had different uniforms, but everyone was in uniform.) We were written up if we were caught wearing socks and shoes that were not solid black (people went as far as using a sharpie on their shoes).

Where when I worked in a mall store, we had a dress code (black or white shirt, khaki or black bottoms). They didn't care as to the styles of the shirt (we had a company supplied apron we needed to wear over it anyways), pants, skirt, shoes (as long as they were close toed for our safety), socks, etc. If I showed up with the right color top and bottom and wore neon green shoes, they would not care.

[Travis_0004]

74. Ive had worse dress codes

I worked at Kroger and had to wear a dress shirt and tie and dress pants. No uniform allowence and I was making minimum wage. Techinally after union fees I was making less than minimum wage.

[lark]

77. Walmart is a strong contender for "Worst Employer in the USA".

My husband, unfortunately, worked for their Sam's Club division for 7 wasted years. They are despicable from top to bottom and I'm so glad he finally got off his duff and got a new job. Not surprisingly, he's making a whole lot more money where he is now.

We will NOT shop at Walmart or any of their divisions, ever.

[Initech]

79. How have their employees not revolted against them yet?

If I worked there this would be the final straw.

[tclambert]

84. Can you buy work clothes with food stamps?

[840high]

86. Cheap bastards.

[Plucketeer]

87. Forgive me for wondering....

... how many folks responding to this thread still shop at Walmart. The wife and I do not. Since the local store is conveniently close, we'd save money just on gas if we didn't have to go to alternate outlets to get what we need - and pay more for it. The only "support" we give Walmart is when our taxes underwrite their shitty wages.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

214. WalMart has invaded rural America.

And because of that, rural America has thousands of dead downtowns, very few locally owned businesses, and no choice but to shop at WalMart.

I live 80 miles from the nearest Target store. I am 150 miles from a Whole Foods. I'm 20 miles from the nearest Wal-Mart. That or a woefully underequipped Kroger or a woefully underequipped HEB.

It's easy to say "Don't shop at WalMart" when you have choices.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

88. loaded 16 tons and what do they get? they owe their soul to the company store

[SunSeeker]

91. "I owe my soul to the company store."

This is indeed reminiscent of the song "16 Tons" about how miners had no choice but to purchase food and other necessities from the company store, often on loan. They would end up owing their soul to the company store, as the chilling verse of the the song says.

Johnny Cash - Sixteen Tons:

[jmowreader]

92. The only "news" is the first sentence in your second paragraph

They're bringing back those God-awful vests. Blue polos and khakis have been dress code probably ever since the company has existed.

[Tikki]

96. If they are going to make them wear a quasi-uniform, then the employees better buy their...

outfits somewhere else if they want their cloths to make it through more than two washings before falling apart.

Tikki

[geretogo]

97. The plantation owners before the war made their slaves make their own clothes . Each Corporate

plantation has their own clothing policies .

[no_hypocrisy]

98. My former employer started that at my job.

He first wanted us to start wearing uniforms that he chose in the home office. White shirt/black pants. OK. And we had to pay for them, 5 for each day of the week. OK.

I quit when he also informed us that we had to also have laundering of those uniforms deducted from our weekly pay, like $50. I asked if I could just go to my laundromat and that was nixed. That's $10 to launder one uniform. per week.

Besides the pay, it had to be a scam because NOBODY came to the home office. All we did was telephone work with customers and nobody would see us in these uniforms.

I chose to quit when my boss was yelling for another reason. When he got to the part, " . . . . and if you can't do your job . . . . . . ", I agreed that I couldn't do my job and gave 2 weeks notice. And I literally did nothing for those two weeks. In my own clothes. After all, I couldn't get fired.

[yallerdawg]

101. Just an example...

Family Dollar had a dress code. Black polo with stitched logo. All sizes available to the store, issued to each employee enough to get thru week. Return all shirts prior to last pay check.

Looked great with your jeans.

[adieu]

102. Buying at the company store

How quaint.

[Hugabear]

107. Incomprehensible that anyone would be defending a billion-dollar corporation

It boggles my mind how anyone could do so.

[Trillo]

111. Corporations can deduct all their expenses, why can't humans?

Step 1: Which work clothes are necessary and usable only for work?

Determine which work clothes are necessary for your job but not suitable to wear outside of work. However, just buying clothes specifically for work and never wearing them at any other time isn't good enough. The IRS has accepted deductions for theatrical costumes, hard hats and other safety gear. Among the items that do not qualify are overalls, white dress shirts, and bibs even if required on the job site. For example, even though your company requires you to wear a suit each day, you cannot deduct their cost since you can wear the suits to weddings, job interviews and other occasions that don't relate to work.

[tammywammy]

114. I've worked at places that have had uniforms and dress codes.

If I was required to wear a uniform it was provided. A dress code it was not. I would say the dress code at Starbucks was just as restrictive as this new Walmart one and I was never given an allowance toward purchasing clothes.

Not defending Walmart, but in my experience this would be very common.

[TeamPooka]

115. The only way they can increase sales is to force their employees to buy crap. nt

[blkmusclmachine]

124. Don't tread on Wal Mart...

[jwirr]

130. So much for the minimum wage raise! Apparently Wally wants to stay on welfare by forcing the

employees to now pay for their uniforms. Horrible store.

[cwydro]

131. Target does the same

Employees have to buy red shirts and khakis.

Plus they're threatened with disciplinary action if they don't get enough red cards during their shift.

Horrible.

[Sherman A1]

133. I work in Retail

have for years and have always had to buy the designated clothing. I get no uniform allowance, it's just part of the deal. It has varied over the years sometimes they provide shirts, sometimes they provided shirts and pants, they have always provided aprons. Can't say that I have ever liked what was selected, but you get used to it.

[yallerdawg]

134. Dress code for employees? What about...

&feature=player_detailpage

[Jamaal510]

138. Are we sure that Wal-Mart isn't owned by Mr.Krabs from Spongebob? nt

[jamzrockz]

146. I stopped going to walmart entirely

once I realized that their so called low prices are not even that low when compared to the other local grocery chains. yes they will price match but what happens when the stores they are price matching with goes out of business? yea, you get stuck paying higher than normal prices for their crappy stuff.

Stop shopping there now. Maybe that will teach them to treat their workers well.

[PatSeg]

150. That is fairly common

with a lot of retail chains, such as Target with the red and khaki. Target however has had that dress code for many years. This surely will be difficult for employees working for Walmart wages to go out and buy new clothes in order to work, and I'm sure a lot of those clothes will be bought at Walmart - a win-win for Walmart.

[americannightmare]

153. Never ceases to amaze me that people...

still shop at this bloody place...

[LiberalElite]

154. I read this and was reminded of:

especially the chorus.

[In_The_Wind]

159. Walmart in New York has enforced that dress code for years.

[ohnoyoudidnt]

160. There is plenty to atttack Walmart for, but I do not see this as an isssue.

There is a dress code for most retail companies and they expect you to provide your own pants, shoes, and shirts. If a company shirt or vest is required, they provide them. The fact the minumum wage is so low that this causes a problem for workers, then that is a national issue.

My company requires me to wear a certain kind of shoe, for which I paid over $100 for a decent pair. I have no problem with that. At least I get tax deductions. Even nurses in many cases are required to buy their own scrubs. It is a common practice for employers to require employees to pay for certain work related items.

[MNBrewer]

161. When I worked at Target, we had to buy our own clothes

I'm surprised that Walmart doesn't already do that.

[cstanleytech]

172. Walmart didnt provide all the clothes usually it was a shirt or two and then you were on your own

for getting the rest of the clothes to meet their dress code which even with the change is actually a fair dress code.
I just wish walmart was fair on what they paid their employees instead of forcing many of them to suffer in poverty.

[gollygee]

164. This is a double score for Wal-Mart

They reduce a cost of business, and the employees will probably buy the clothes from them, so they'll get business out of it too.

Wal-Mart sucks all around. They're vampires sucking the blood out of everything and everyone they can find, even their own employees.

[tooeyeten]

168. Wal-Mart

Leading the way and return to the era of the "robber barons."

[santroy79]

169. sorry but I see no problem here

Everywhere I ever worked I had to buy my on cloths and follow a dress code.

[davidthegnome]

170. Hmm

At my last job (hotel front desk guy) we all had to dress up for the position. I was okay with dressing up, but there was no specific uniform or anything. Button up shirt, khakis, tie optional. At eight bucks an hour though, those clothes would have been a bit pricey for someone like me to buy. Fortunately, my dad has a wardrobe of work clothes and is about my size.

Some weeks I spent every day in a different borrowed outfit, shoes that were falling apart on the inside and fit somewhat poorly - which can make it difficult to remain standing for eight hours or more. A thirty mile drive, to and from work, with my little red (2008) ford focus I bought last year that needed it's transmission replaced six months later. Gas, car payments, insurance, food... you know, if I had had to actually buy clothes for my job, I'm not sure I could have managed it without borrowing money from someone.

One of the many in this working class dream of a nightmare, there were nights (especially after cleaning up puke, or running all over the hotel as desk man/housekeeper/night time maintenance/whatever that I just wanted to break down and cry. Or maybe freak out, tell my boss what I really thought of him. Lousy job with lousy benefits and lousy pay - welcome to the working class.

The man who gave us all our marching orders was a millionaire, owner of two hotels, several houses, a few apartment complexes, several hundred thousand dollar vehicles and so on. After I'd worked for him for a year, I asked him for a fifty cent an hour raise. His response was that, while I did a good job, I made mistakes some times, and that he was losing money on the hotel already, he could not afford to give me a raise, because his income was "below the poverty level". Tempted as I was, I neither laughed at him nor called him an asshole, nor suggested that he spend some time with his employees to discover what poverty really was. I simply nodded my head, thanked him for his time - and filled out an application for my current job the next day.

I am now a clerk for a gas station/convenience store up here in New Sweden Maine. Lots of hunters apparel, fishing poles, bait, lots of beer and cigarettes and whatnot. Plenty of peculiar items and specialty items. I've learned nifty things, like how to ring up a thirty pack of beer, and how to weigh and tag a bear. Lots of paperwork for that sort of thing.

But they started me at 8.50 an hour. The same raise I asked a rich prick for, that a working couple who owned their own business and live above their store... offered me simply to start out. They work every day, they have an immense respect for nature and for people - and overall it's the difference between night and day.

If you're working for Wal-Mart now, my advice is to start filling out some applications for any employment opportunities elsewhere. The difference between working to enrich rich pricks and working for decent people... it's mind boggling. Just the difference it's made in my self respect, self esteem, and overall happiness, is pretty damn great.

Personally, if I had a corporation that made billions of dollars a year, with enough stock to feed, clothe, and entertain almost the whole world.... I think I could afford to give my employees uniforms. I think I could afford to offer them benefits, to be kind and generous to them and to treat them like business partners and friends as opposed to servants. Basically, my feeling here is FUCK WAL-MART. Also, double and triple fuck their owners, share holders, and so on.

I realize that we don't all have the luxury of choosing who we work for, and anyone who is currently forced to work for these assholes has my deepest sympathies and my empathy. My only advice is to keep looking for something different. I sincerely hope that Walmart is forced out of business due to their unethical practices, lack of human decency and compassion, and overall greed and dumb fuckery.

[LittleGirl]

184. absolutely! eom

[Old Crow]

194. Great post--thanks

I really enjoyed your commentary. You express yourself well. Best of luck to you up there in Maine.

[nolabels]

215. That is the BEST advice, keep looking!

It took me 18 employers and 20 years of looking to find the job i have today. I have been there 14 years now and wouldn't even think about going anywhere else. I thought it was really cool when i got the job and mostly it has got better as the years rolled on. My advice is if you don't know if it's a good job, look around. If you think you found something better, make sure before the leap. Don't be bitter when you leave, just leave without burning the bridge. You might need your old employer as resource or at least the peace of mind knowing you did your best while you were there

Another Dave

[Dr Hobbitstein]

173. Every place I've ever worked with a dress code...

Required me to purchase my own clothing. The vest is supplied by the company, the rest is up to the employee. The same is true of Target, Best Buy, K-Mart, Sears, et al. Hell, in the USAF I had to purchase 2 sets of BDUs, 2 sets of PT gear, and 2 sets of dress blues (came out of the first paycheck).

With that said, fuck Walmart. I hate the store, and haven't stepped foot in one in almost 8 years. I have a grandmother who every Christmas buys me a $50 Walmart gift card. I've told her numerous times to just give me cash or better yet, nothing at all, as the gift card is wasted. I usually try to sell it on craigslist or trade it with a friend/co-worker/family member for a gift card to Target or Publix or something.

[VA_Jill]

174. Typical

I've worked at a few hospitals that pulled this move. Didn't give you a uniform allowance either. At least they paid decently, but it was a PITA not to be able to wear the stuff you'd paid good money for and/or had for a long time. It was a *real* PITA if they forced you back into whites, which are almost impossible to maintain.

[Nevada Blue]

175. I dislike Wal-Mart as much as anyone but

I remember many years ago I did a stint as a waitress. Had to buy my own uniforms (and shoes and aprons) - there was no 'company dress code' but it's what waitresses were expected to wear - and to provide - if they wanted the job. I earned $1.10 per hour (min wage was $1.75 in the state I lived in at that time, but food service, tips, yada yada).

There was no such thing as a clothing allowance and I don't think anyone ever thought about it back then (it must have been about 1972 or so).

I guess my point is that having to buy clothes for a job you have isn't a weird new idea, it used to be the norm. I've never worked anywhere that provided a 'clothing allowance'.

I must be out of the loop on this one.

[Tsiyu]

222. Whenever there was a specific uniform required

in any job I had, the employer paid.

I worked as a chef/cook/baker and was supplied a week's worth of chef coats/chef pants and given a shoe allowance. One casual fine dining place only required jeans with a restaurant-supplied white chef coat, which were cleaned by a laundry service. We paid like $3 a week for the laundry service.

Worked in hospitals for eight years and scrubs were always provided from a laundry service. You bought your own lab coat and shoes.

Walmart's not broke. They can afford to buy shirts and pants for their employees.

They are just sick, greedy pigs.

Sorry for your situation, but it doesn't make this right.

[Nevada Blue]

223. no reason to be sorry

it's just the way it was, waitressing back then.

My only point is that while most retail employers supply 'required' uniforms, it's not the case (or at least wasn't the case in the past) for all jobs requiring special uniforms. I never knew a waitress who didn't supply her own uniform, but then this was back in the day when waitresses just wore white uniforms, nothing 'branded' for the particular restaurant.

Anyway, no biggie - I was just remembering supplying my own clothes for a minimum wage job, that's all.

[Tsiyu]

224. Yeah, I was commiserating

Cuz that sucked. I did a few food service jobs in the mid seventies as a teen but they provided the uniforms there, too.

And I worked at a Kinney's Shoes for a while in high school lol, which required dress clothes but nothing special I had to buy.

So I think it sucks they made you pay for uniforms on $2 whatever an hour.

Peace

[DesertDiamond]

177. Just when I thought Walmart couldn't sink any lower...

[smirkymonkey]

181. I so hate this company.

I am proud to say I have never spent a cent there.

When is this family going to die off anyway? It can't be soon enough as far as I'm concerned.

[madmom]

188. There is nothing new here, I worked there awhile back for

several years. That was the dress code then as well.

[SoapBox]

200. In California...cleaning cost reimbursement required?

I think there are only 2 states now, that require employers to reimburse employees for cleaning, when they wear a mandatory uniform.

I don't know the details of that but do know that my employer is paying us....and it ticks them off. Ha!

Anyone know the law?

[ileus]

203. I had to buy my own when our dept started requiring a dress code.

It sucks ass there's no doubt.

[Todays_Illusion]

205. WalMart, losing customers now add the employee clothing line

to a profit center, made especially sweet by using large number of employes to cover each 40 hour work week. Double the savings, double the profit.

Use 4 employees for each 40 work week, work each employe ten hours, avoid all benefits and each must buy at least one outfit. Perfect scheme.

[KBlagburn]

213. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act...

Any employer who has certain uniform requirements must provide or pay for said uniform and provide a laundry allowance. Businesses have been ignoring this and getting away with it forever!!!!

[4lbs]

219. I would support employees buying their own clothes if WalMart paid for their healthcare. Otherwise,

screw you Walmart!

[MohRokTah]

220. I owe my soul to the company store.

[Tsiyu]

221. So let's get this straight

You're broke, hungry, looking for work. So you accept a crap wage job at Walmart that will keep you on Food stamps and never bring you out of poverty, even if you work there your entire life.

But before they will pay you ( sometimes it takes three weeks to get the first paycheck ) you have to invest in several hundred dollars worth of clothes, pay for your gas back and forth to work and keep the household going. YOU must invest two weeks of their crappy pay rate in order to get a measly check back.

Walmart, thy name is EVIL.

So glad I recently found a work-at-home position. The pay is decent, I get paid in days, not weeks, there's no commute, I can work any hours I choose. My body isn't being broken down daily with no insurance to ease the pain.

And the best part? No assholes to deal with. I'm the only asshole here. Except the cats.

They can be kinda mouthy and bossy but throw 'em a little kibble and they shut right up.

[ladyVet]

225. As far as I know, this has been true for years.

I worked at WalMart in the early 80s, started from scratch in a brand new store, and we wore our own clothes, with the little vest. Then they got rid of the vest some years ago.

My son works there now, and he's always bought his own clothes, same as when he worked at Target. The "uniform" was a medium blue polo or quality tee, and khaki pants. (At Target, it was a red shirt.)

They may be getting more particular in regards to brand name, but buying a certain color of clothes has been the norm for years.