Walmart Phasing Out Greeters at 1,000 Stores; Disabled Workers Say the Cuts Target Them

As Walmart moves to phase out its familiar blue-vested "greeters" at some 1,000 stores nationwide, disabled workers who fill many of those jobs say they're being ill-treated by a chain that styles itself as community-minded and inclusive.Walmart told greeters around the country last week that their positions would be eliminated on April 26 in favor of an expanded, more physically demanding "customer host" role. To qualify, they will need to be able to lift 25-pound (11-kilogram) packages, climb ladders and stand for long periods.That came as a heavy blow to greeters with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other physical disabilities. For them, a job at Walmart has provided needed income, served as a source of pride and offered a connection to the community.Now Walmart, America's largest private employer, is facing a backlash as customers rally around some of the chain's most highly visible employees.Walmart says it is striving to place greeters in other jobs at the company, but workers with disabilities are worried.  Continue reading...