From time to time, I get anonymous notes from workers at Wal-Mart and other employers. I write about some of them or try to track down info. Here’s one that came in yesterday:

Today, Walmart announced some new “changes”. They have done away with
merit raises, and also put “wage caps” on certain individuals. Depending where
you are in their “pay structure”, you could never again receive a raise. In my
case, a 12 year associate, I will reach my “cap” in 4 years. I can either try to
get promoted to another level in the company, so my “cap” will be raised, or
never again receive another penney when my yearly evaluation rolls around.

Walmart’s pay is poor as it is, and this just the lastest blow to the employees
since Mr. Castro took the reins. It seems they trying to push out the long-time
associates.

My anonymous friend is referring to Eduardo Castro-Wright, who was head of the Beast’s Mexico stores before being brought in as president of the chain’s 3,300 stores.