It’s about opportunity, not starting wage
It upsets me when people who don’t know my company offer criticisms without facts. I want to respond to Megan Bronson’s commentary, “Don’t panic: Raising minimum wage makes sense” and offer a first-hand perspective on Walmart.
I started with Walmart in 2001 in an entry-level, part-time position. Through my hard work and with the support I received from my store management, I received several promotions and am now manager of the bakery department of a Fresno Walmart Supercenter.
The best part is that I don’t have to stop here. Because Walmart provides opportunities to grow and succeed, I have lots of choices about my future and my future is brighter because of it.
It doesn’t matter if you’re starting out as a cashier, cart pusher or other entry-level position, Walmart is a place where you can thrive. If you don’t want to take my word for it, you can ask any of the other 75% of store-management associates who also started in hourly positions just like me. They know what I know: It isn’t about how much you make when you start. It’s about the opportunities you have to grow and climb the ladder of success.
Cindy Gibson, Fresno
This story was originally published April 28, 2016 at 8:18 AM with the headline "It’s about opportunity, not starting wage."