Front-door greeters working at Walmart stores in Texas will soon need to meet new job requirements established by the popular retailer. The company reportedly intends to remove about 1,000 greeter positions across America. As a result, many greeters with disabilities may lose their jobs. The reason this is happening is because the retailer is replacing its well-known greeter position with a newly created “customer host” position, which has additional physical job requirements.
Customer hosts will be required to be able to lift at least 25 pounds, gather carts and stand for extended periods of time. There are job demands that could be difficult for both disabled and elderly employees to meet. Reportedly, 1,000 stores have already been affected by the change. The Americans With Disabilities Act does allow companies to change their job requirements. However, they are still required to make “reasonable accommodations” for employees on an individual basis.
In response to the concerns, Walmart said it will extend the existing 60-day greeter transition for workers who have disabilities. A spokesman for the retailer said that the company plans to find “an acceptable, customized solution” for all affected employees with physical limitations. The spokesman states this will allow greeters to retain their employment while additional options are explored. Reportedly, several employees already fired due to the new job requirements have filed complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Additionally, the change has reportedly resulted in one lawsuit. In situations when there is some type of employee discrimination, a lawyer can determine if there is a possible violation of the ADA or similar laws that may apply. Employees discriminated against because of disabilities may be entitled to lost wages and compensation for other burdens. Oftentimes, it’s the response by an employer that determines how a case will progress.
