CHARDON — A smiling face in a blue vest is signature for Walmart stores everywhere, but with new duties for greeters, some folks with disabilities could be out of a job.
What was a position of checking receipts and making folks feel welcome will now be a little more physical.
The greeter position was established back in the 1980s. On April 26, some disabled greeters will be replaced by what the company is calling "customer hosts," with added requirements of being able to lift 25 pounds, the ability to climb a ladder and standing for long periods.
Shoppers at a Chardon Walmart tell News 5 the changes were a surprise.
“I think it sucks," said Tabitha Maze, who has a disability herself. "First of all, it takes away jobs from people who really need it. And that want to gain independence.”
Walmart started making the transition from greeters to hosts back in 2016.
In a statement from the company to News 5, a spokesperson said the company was able to find jobs for more than 80 percent of disabled employees within the company, and they hope this will be the case once again.
As we strive to constantly improve the experience for our customers, we will need to adjust roles from time to time. We’ve recently shared our plans to change the responsibilities of the people greeter role in some stores and that involves associates with disabilities in some cases. We recognize that our associates with physical disabilities face a unique situation. With that in mind, we will be extending the current 60-day greeter transition period for associates with disabilities while we explore the circumstances and potential accommodations, for each individual, that can be made within each store. This allows associates to continue their employment at the store as valued members of the team while we seek an acceptable, customized solution for all of those involved.
