Walmart is changing how hourly store workers earn raises

(NewsNation) — Walmart is changing how it awards raises to hourly workers at U.S. stores, factoring in both performance and tenure.

Going forward, annual pay increases will be based on years of service and three other metrics — reliability, store performance and employees' everyday actions — according to a company memo shared with NewsNation. The change was first reported by Business Insider.

The new performance-based approach marks a shift from last year, when annual raises were awarded at a fixed rate that was determined by years of service.

"That recognized loyalty — but it didn't fully reflect how individual associates' contributions and actions make the difference," EVP of store operations Cedric Clark wrote in the memo to managers last week.

Clark said the new "Pay for Performanc