Wal-Mart promises to hire all vets who want jobs
Wal-Mart has unveiled a plan that includes hiring more than 100,000 veterans over five years and buying more American-made products over 10 years. Credit: AP, 2012
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer and the nation's largest private employer, is making a pledge to hire every recently discharged veteran who wants a job.
The plan is to be announced Tuesday during speech to the National Retail Federation convention in Manhattan by Wal-Mart president and chief executive Bill Simon.
Wal-Mart, based in Bentonville, Ark., says it projects it will hire more than 100,000 veterans during the next five years. Honorably discharged veterans will have a "place to go," according to prepared text of Simon's speech.
The hiring pledge, which will begin on Memorial Day, covers veterans within 12 months of leaving active duty. Most of the jobs will be in Wal-Mart's stores or its Sam's club locations. Some will be in the company's distribution centers.
"Let's be clear. Hiring a veteran can be one of the best decisions any of us can make," the prepared remarks say. "Veterans have a record of performance under pressure. They're quick learners, and they're team players. These are leaders with discipline, training, and a passion for service. There is a seriousness and sense of purpose that the military instills, and we need it today more than ever."
