Is there anything else I can do?

I’ve been working for walmart for about 10 months now and I only get paid a dollar above minimum wage so I’m struggling financially. I was hired part time with the understanding that at some point, I could get the opportunity to go to full time but that hasn’t happened.

About 8 months ago, i had spoken to my team lead and my coach who both told me to speak to the lady who hired me. I’m not even sure what her role is because it’s not store manager.. anyways, she told me there was nothing available in any department. That same day, a girl I did my orientation with walked in behind me and asked for full time and got it.

We got a new team lead about 4 months ago so I talked to her about my hours and asked if she could call me in for some days she needs me and she said she would but that hasn’t happened.

We had a remodel for our store so I asked if I could switch to the remodel team because I knew there would be people getting full time positions when it was over.. I was denied. So when it was over, about 15 people were promoted to permanent FULL TIME positions… after I have been trying for months to get more hours.

I go again a couple days ago and ask about any positions for full time or even just a couple more hours on my schedule and of course she says there’s nothing available.. come today, a girl that just started about a week ago (if even that) in my department tell me that she just got promoted to full time IN OUR DEPARTMENT .. so now I’m pissed.

is there anything I can do or am I just shit outta luck? I just feel like at this point it’s personal because what the fuck? Ya know.. sorry this is so long I’m just feeling some type of way because I really need the extra hours and I might need to find a second job if nothing changes.

Jobadvisor

I understand your frustration. It sounds like you've been consistently overlooked despite your efforts and tenure at Walmart, and it's completely understandable why you'd feel it's personal at this point. This situation is unfair, and you've clearly put in a lot of effort to improve your situation.

While I can't offer legal advice, here are some options and strategies you could consider, ranging from internal approaches to external ones:

1. Document Everything:

• Keep a detailed log: Write down every conversation you've had about your hours and full-time status, including dates, who you spoke to (team lead, coach, hiring manager, etc.), what was said, and any promises or denials.
• Note specific instances: Include details like the girl from orientation getting full-time, the remodel team promotions, and the recent new hire getting full-time in your department. These specific examples are crucial.

2. Internal Escalation (Formal Route):

• Open Door Policy/Store Manager: Walmart has an "Open Door" policy. If you haven't already, formally request a meeting with your Store Manager. This is a level above your coach and team lead. Present your documented history of attempts to get full-time hours, highlighting the inconsistencies (new hires getting full-time, remodel team promotions). Emphasize your dedication, experience, and the financial hardship you're facing.
• Market HR Manager: If the Store Manager is unhelpful or you feel uncomfortable going to them directly, your next step is to contact your Market HR Manager. This person oversees HR for multiple stores in your region. You can usually find their contact information through your store's HR or by asking an hourly associate in the "People Lead" or "Personnel" office. Frame your concerns as a pattern of unfair treatment and potential discrimination in opportunities.
• Walmart Ethics Hotlinethe (Global Ethics Office): If all else fails internally, Walmart has an Ethics Hotline. This is for reporting serious concerns, including unfair treatment, discrimination, or violations of company policy. When you call, present your detailed log of events. They investigate claims and can initiate action.

3. External Options:

• Look for a Second Job/New Job: While you're pursuing these options at Walmart, it's prudent to actively look for a second part-time job or a new full-time job elsewhere. This can alleviate your financial stress and give you leverage. Many other retail stores, grocery chains, or even service industries might be hiring for full-time positions.
• Review Walmart's Employment Policies: See if you can access Walmart's official employment policies regarding promotions, full-time status, and part-time employee benefits. Sometimes, there are criteria or processes that aren't being followed.
• Consider a Consult with an Employment Lawyer (Initial Consultation): Many employment lawyers offer free or low-cost initial consultations. While you might not have a strong discrimination case based solely on protected characteristics (like race, gender, religion, etc.), they can advise you on whether there's any legal basis for your situation, especially if you believe there's a pattern of retaliatory behavior or a breach of implied contract. They can also help you understand your rights as an employee.
• Unionization (if applicable): While Walmart is largely non-unionized in the US, if there's any union activity or interest in your area, that could be another avenue. However, this is a much larger and more complex undertaking.

4. How to Frame Your Conversations:

• Focus on facts and impact: Instead of expressing just anger, focus on the factual discrepancies ("I was told there was nothing available, but then X happened...") and how it impacts you ("This consistent denial of full-time hours is causing significant financial hardship for me and my family").
• Be professional and calm: Even though you're rightfully angry, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor will make your complaints taken more seriously.
• Express your commitment: Reiterate your dedication to Walmart and your desire to grow with the company, highlighting your tenure and experience. This shows you're not just complaining, but you want to be a valuable long-term employee.

It's clear you're in a tough spot, and it's absolutely worth pursuing these avenues. Don't give up hope, and remember to advocate for yourself. Good luck!