Walmart laying off hundreds of U.S. workers at five e-commerce fulfillment centers: Reuters

Hundreds of workers at five U.S. Walmart facilities — largely employees that fulfill e-commerce orders — are being asked to find jobs within 90 days at other company locations, according to reporting from Reuters.

About 200 workers at Pedricktown, New Jersey, and hundreds of others at Fort Worth, Texas; Chino, California; Davenport, Florida; and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania were let go due to a reduction or elimination in evening and weekend shifts, the article said. 

A Walmart spokesperson said in a statement:

“Customer expectations are changing, and we are moving quickly to meet and exceed their needs. As demand grows, we are maximizing our network of stores and fulfillment centers, to deliver items for online customers, when and how they want them. We recently adjusted staffing levels at our FC in select markets to better prepare for the future needs of customers. This decision was not made lightly, and we’re working closely with affected associates to help them understand what career options may be available at other Walmart locations.” 

The spokesperson also confirmed that impacted workers would be paid for 90 days to find jobs at other facilities, including those in Joliet, Illinois, and Lancaster, Texas, where the company has opened up new high-tech e-commerce distribution centers.

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Workers being laid off at the five fulfillment centers will be eligible for roles at Walmart’s 5,000 U.S. stores, the Reuters article said.  

Walmart is the largest private employer in the United States with about 1.7 million U.S. workers.