Just hot on the heels of a planned strike by low wage workers from across 150 cities, Walmart workers are unhappy about a new dress code policy that compels them to buy new work clothes. The workers have been going off on the company's online forums about the new dress code which, they say, is strenuous on an already limited budget and tough economic times.
Walmart last July introduced a new dress code policy for its workers. The new policy will see the workers wear either a navy blue or a white polo shirt and either khaki or black pants or skirts. The new uniform was announced in July for the employees to have time to "save up." The global retailer has also required the employees to return the traditional Walmart vests which the company pays for.
The new dress code has caused a huge employee backlash. The low wage employees claim the new dress code only strains their pockets further. Walmart's full time average hourly rate is $12.92. If the employees were to buy two shirts and two pants from the company's own site, that would cost $48, inclusive of a 10% discount by the company. Macy's, a rival retailer, offers its employees a 50% discount for buying their dress code while Urban outfitters have the same 50% policy.
A question on the legality of this policy by Walmart arises. According to officials from the labour and employment office, what Walmart is doing is actually legal. The office quoted a U.S Department of Labor wage and hour opinion letter from 2008 stating there is a distinction between a uniform and a dress code.
"a. If an employer merely prescribes a general type of ordinary basic street clothing to be worn while working and permits variations in details of dress, the garments chosen by the employees would not be considered to be uniforms.
b. On the other hand, where the employer does prescribe a specific type and style of clothing to be worn at work, e.g. where a restaurant or hotel requires a tuxedo or a skirt and blouse or jacket of a specific or distinctive style, color, or quality, such clothing would be considered uniforms."
Companies are legally mandated to provide uniforms for employees, but not dress codes. It seems the employees from Walmart have an uphill battle on their hands.
