Walmart Shutters US Tech Hubs, Forces Workers to Relocate
Walmart reportedly plans to close three of its 11 US technology hubs, requiring hundreds of workers to relocate to keep their jobs.
The retail giant will shutter offices in Austin, Texas; Carlsbad, California; and Portland, Oregon, according to a staff memo from Global Chief Technology Officer Suresh Kumar seen by The Wall Street Journal(Opens in a new window).
Walmart will pay for employees to transfer to other offices or its Arkansas headquarters, and says it hopes to relocate most employees, some of whom may become full-time remote workers.
"We've made the decision to focus our tech team's presence within select locations," a company spokesperson told the Journal. Those who leave will receive severance pay.
Last year, Kumar announced plans to open new tech hubs in Atlanta and Toronto. Walmart operates eight other US locations and six abroad.
Most remaining workers, meanwhile, must return to their assigned office at least two days a week, according to Kumar's memo. It's unclear whether employees can choose their in-person days, or if Walmart is rolling out a company-wide mandate.
Last month, Walmart said it would raise the minimum wage for store and warehouse workers. "We expect these raises will bring our US average hourly wage to more than $17.50. They’ll be reflected in March 2 paychecks," the company said.
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