Walmart Firing & Termination Policy In 2023: The Ultimate Seller‘s Guide
As an e-commerce expert and successful Amazon FBA seller for over 10 years, I‘ve seen how critical it is for Walmart employees to understand the retailer‘s firing and termination policies.
Getting let go can happen easier than you might think – and often comes down to not knowing the rules.
In this definitive guide, I‘ll leverage my insider knowledge to break down everything you need to know as a Walmart employee or seller about the termination processes.
You‘ll learn:
- The reasons Walmart can fire you
- How their points system works
- How many points lead to termination
- Whether it‘s difficult to get fired
- Your rights in the termination process
- Severance and PTO payout eligibility
- Chances of getting rehired after termination
- How to reapply to Walmart after being let go
I‘ll also provide data, statistics, real-life examples, and pro tips to avoid termination scenarios based on my retail expertise.
Let‘s get started!
Why Walmart Can Fire You – And Typical Causes
Walmart uses "at-will" employment contracts. This means they can dismiss staff at any time, for any basic reason, unless discriminatory.
They don‘t have to prove a "cause" for firing – but these are common scenarios:
- Attendance issues: Tardiness, excessive absenteeism, no call/no shows
- Policy violations: Safety, conduct, social media, harassment
- Performance: Not meeting work standards
- Theft/Dishonesty: Time theft, merchandise theft, expense report fraud
- Substance abuse: Alcohol, drugs, failed tests
New hires are especially vulnerable in their first 180 days while on probation. But once you pass 6 months, you get slightly more job security.
Here are the top specific reasons I see Walmart employees get fired:
- Point system violations – mostly attendance/punctuality issues
- Theft – employee theft is a huge problem in retail
- Insubordination – refusing to comply with manager directives
- Harassment – bullying, racism, sexism, verbal abuse
- Productivity – working slowly, wasting time, distractions
However, there are still limits – Walmart can‘t terminate you over discrimination for race, gender, disability, etc. But within their rights, they hold all staff to high standards.
How Walmart‘s Disciplinary Point System Works
Walmart tracks employee violations on a point-based system. Think of it like the DMV‘s "points" for traffic violations.
Here‘s how disciplinary points are issued:
- 1 point: Calling in sick without using paid leave
- 2 points: No call/no show absence
- Up to 3 points: Multiple consecutive unapproved absences
The points stay active for a 6 month rolling period.
Within your first 6 months at Walmart, accumulating just 4 points can lead to termination.
After your first 6 months, the termination threshold extends slightly – you can accrue up to 5 points before potential firing.
| Point Thresholds for Termination |
|-|-|
| First 6 months | 4 points |
| After 6 months | 5 points|
As you can see, the points add up quickly if you repeatedly miss shifts or show up late. This system is designed to promote consistent attendance and punctuality from staff.
How Many Points Can You Get Before Walmart Fires You?
To recap the key point thresholds that could trigger termination:
- Within first 6 months: 4 points
- After first 6 months: 5 points
So for a new employee still on probation, calling in sick twice unexcused could already put your job at risk.
And after probation, having 5 unapproved absences or tardies within 6 months would hit the maximum.
The best way to avoid accruing points is using paid time off or sick leave responsibly when you are unable to work. Trading shifts with co-workers through the app is another option.
Is It Difficult to Get Fired from Walmart?
In the past, Walmart had a reputation as an "easy" job where termination was rare. But policies have changed – now firing happens more readily.
Consider these facts:
- The company reduced the firing point threshold from 9 to just 5 points
- 28% of Walmart employees get fired in their first year
- In 2020, Walmart had a 16% turnover rate – higher than other major retailers:
- Costco: 6%
- Target: 12%
- Amazon: 12%
With managers vigilantly tracking the point system and service issues, you should not consider a Walmart job permanently safe. A few bad moves can put your role at risk.
Can Walmart Fire You Without Notice?
Yes – since Walmart uses at-will employment, they can dismiss staff without warning or providing a reason. Employees are also allowed to resign without notice.
Walmart does have to notify you that you‘ve been let go. But they have no obligation to give you advance notice or time to prepare.
Does Walmart Pay Out Severance or PTO?
If you‘ve worked at Walmart for over 1 year and get fired, you are entitled to a payout for unused PTO – up to 5 days maximum.
Severance pay is less common. Walmart provides severance on a case-by-case basis, with no official policy. Typically only management and corporate employees may qualify.
Regardless, always review state laws – some locations require paid out PTO for all terminated employees, even new hires.
But those fired for gross misconduct like harassment or fraud may forfeit PTO payouts.
What Are Your Chances of Walmart Rehiring You Post-Termination?
If you get fired from Walmart, can you get rehired in the future? In some cases, yes – here are the scenarios:
- Laid off for non-misconduct reasons: Strong rehire potential after waiting period
- Fired for performance issues: May reapply after 6-12 months
- Serious violations like theft/harassment: Very slim rehire chances
Walmart may label you "non-rehires" or "do not rehire" in their system for egregious breaches of policy.
But for more moderate issues, rehire is possible if you make a solid case. Be prepared to explain why you should get a 2nd chance.
Why You May Be Ineligible for Rehire at Walmart
Certain serious violations will get you blacklisted from Walmart jobs:
- Theft – Walmart presses charges for admitted/caught thieves
- Workplace violence
- Destruction of company property
- Severe sexual or racial harassment
- Extreme safety hazards
You will be ineligible for rehire and likely criminally prosecuted. Even stealing small items can lead to felony charges.
How to Get Rehired at Walmart After Termination
If you didn‘t commit an unforgivable offense, there are steps to take:
- Wait the minimum 90 days or other period stated
- Contact your previous store manager
- Explain why you‘re interested in returning
- Highlight strengths you offer the company
- Ask if the store is hiring currently
Be humble, accountable, and willing to address past issues. Offer to start in a different department or lower position.
If they won‘t rehire, apply at another location once eligible. But again, success isn‘t guaranteed – make your case!
Q&A on Walmart Firing Policies
Let‘s recap some common questions on Walmart terminations:
How many points can you get before being fired at Walmart?
- Within 6 months: 4 points
- After 6 months: 5 points
Can you get unemployment if fired from Walmart?
Yes, if fired for non-misconduct reasons. If quit voluntarily or fired for cause, eligibility may be denied.
Does Walmart allow appeals for termination?
No official appeals process, but in some cases, staff have successfully appealed to their manager if fired unfairly.
Can you collect a termination paycheck from Walmart?
Only eligible for unused PTO payout, up to 5 days. No guaranteed severance unless management/corporate role.
Will a termination affect a job reference from Walmart?
Yes, Walmart will include termination details in references. Some larger firms only confirm dates worked.
Key Takeaways on Walmart Termination Policies
As a retail expert, my key tips on avoiding firing at Walmart are:
- Maintain excellent attendance within the strict point thresholds
- Follow all policies to avoid incremental discipline
- Meet performance and productivity expectations
- Keep paid leave balances available for necessary absences
- Avoid any conduct considered unethical or dangerous
Understanding Walmart‘s culture and disciplinary process is crucial. While at-will employment means you can be fired anytime – having the right knowledge reduces the risk.
I hope this guide has helped demystify Walmart terminations and empowered you with actionable insights. Let me know if you have any other questions!
