Federal Minimum Wage Is Still Stagnant Despite State, City Increases
At the start of 2018, 18 states and 19 cities raised their minimum wage — but the federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since 2009.
LEARN MOREWalmart Says GOP Tax Plan Is To Thank For Hourly Wage Raises, Bonuses
The big-box store is also expanding benefits for parental and maternity leave, along with other new policies.
Walmart Says GOP Tax Plan Is To Thank For Hourly Wage Raises, Bonuses
Getty Images
January 11, 2018
Walmart is handing out bonuses and upping its minimum wage. And the big-box store says the Trump administration's tax overhaul bill is to thank.
Walmart announced it's raising its minimum wage for employees across the U.S. to $11 a hour.
In addition to the hourly wage hike, Walmart also says it's expanding benefits for parental and maternity leave, creating benefits for employees who adopt, and giving eligible employees a one-time cash bonus of up to $1,000.
In a statement, Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon said, "Tax reform gives us the opportunity to be more competitive globally and to accelerate plans for the U.S."
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent.
The new minimum wage will take effect in February.
Walmart isn't the first company to hand out bonuses because of the new tax reform law. In December, AT&T announced it will award $1,000 bonuses to more than 200,000 U.S. employees.
3:53
Businesses tap into booming short-form social video
Nearly all growth in both consumer spending and hours spent on video apps has skyrocketed.
By Scripps News1:49
WTKR: Scammers luring job hunters with fake remote jobs
The Federal Trade Commission shares warning signs as scammers are going to great lengths to get job seekers' personal information.
By Shutterstock2:55
Animal rescues see fewer adoptions, more surrenders due to inflation
Rising economic costs have made it difficult for pet owners to keep animals they adopted during the pandemic, and for rescues to pay for their care.
By Scripps NewsTop Stories
8:42
Israel's new government sparks concern for the future of its democracy
Far-right changes to Israel's government has some experts and citizens concerned for the future rule of law in the country.
By Reuters / APWHO says COVID remains an emergency but is in transition
The World Health Organization said there is still uncertainty in COVID-19's future, but the virus is at a "transition point."
By Shutterstock4:06
First Native American woman in space talks to reservation's students
Students on the Flathead Indian Reservation asked Nicole Mann questions as she was aboard the International Space Station.
By NASA