CHANGES

Walmart Moves to Phase Out ‘Greeters,’ Worrying the Disabled and Elderly

America's largest private employer is phasing out the greeter position for a more physically demanding one.

Walmart is phasing out its “greeter” position at some 1,000 stores nationwide, worrying disabled and elderly workers who fill many of those jobs. The familiar blue-vested greeters are being eliminated on April 26 in favor of an expanded, more physically demanding “customer host” role, Walmart told workers across the country last week. Many of the greeters say they're being ill-treated by a chain that prides itself on being community-minded and inclusive. The new position will require greeters to be able to lift 25-pound packages, climb ladders, and stand for long periods of time. The new requirements will disqualify many elderly people, as well as those with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other physical disabilities. Walmart is now facing backlash as customers rally around some of the chain's most highly visible employees.

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