A Cuban woman in Knoxville, Tennessee, shared on TikTok her work experience as a Walmart employee, sparking an intense debate about whether it's possible to cover basic expenses in the United States with the wages paid by that store chain.
“Does my salary from Walmart really cover my living expenses, or is it just a pittance?” she asks in the video shared on her profile @unacubanaenknoxville. “What’s defined as full-time work is 40 hours a week at $15 an hour. That would amount to $600 a week; after taxes, you would be taking home about $2,000 and change a month. And that’s if they don’t cut your hours.”
The young woman explains that with that money, she has to cover rent, food, internet, phone, and transportation. “I have to pay rent, which is about $1,400; add around $500 for food. Internet, phone, car... and if you have children or pets, don’t even get me started.”
Throughout the video, he expresses his frustration with a life that, in his words, "doesn't allow for saving or enjoying." "One works in this country to pay bills and stay alive, not to save, not to live well, literally to survive." And he concludes firmly: "My answer is no, the salary from Walmart is not enough for me to live."
She also clarifies that what they have achieved as a family is due to their joint effort with her husband and a business they manage together: “A large part of it is also thanks to my business. For me, living is not just about paying rent and eating rice with eggs; for me, living is also about being able to enjoy the opportunities this country offers.”
Weeks earlier, the same young woman had published another video explaining her situation as a personal shopper. She shared that after eight months of working at Walmart, her pay had only increased by 30 cents per hour. “I was being paid $15 an hour, and after 8 months as an associate, they only raised it by 30 cents,” she said.
He acknowledged that a job provides some stability and timely pay but added that it "only covers some needs." He pointed out that by working only four days a week to dedicate time to his personal business, his biweekly income is around $700.
“The people think that at Walmart everything is progress and constant raises, but the reality is completely different. Many do not survive on a salary of $2,000 a month when their bills reach $3,000 or more. That’s why it is often necessary to have two or three jobs.”
The post received thousands of comments, many from other Walmart employees and people working in various sectors across the United States. Some agreed with the situation described: “You can't live here on $4,000”; “$2,000 isn't even enough for rent”; “I also work at Walmart and earn $15, which isn't enough.”
Others shared their own figures: "In the warehouse, they pay me $23 an hour at night"; "In Puerto Rico, you start at $11.50"; "I earn $5,000 a month and have less than $1,000 in expenses because I paid for the car in full."
There were those who suggested looking for alternatives: “Study and you’ll see how your life changes”; “Apply to a warehouse, they pay more”; “You can earn more at Costco, there’s a bonus and they raise your salary every year.” There were also those who pointed out that it all depends on personal decisions: “You need to cut expenses while you earn this way. Fewer payments, more money in your pocket.”
Several people offered advice: "If you're paid little, study, improve yourself, and change jobs"; "Work more hours and save"; "Luxury is for those who know how to take advantage of the system; the salaried worker only lives to pay debts."
While some defended Walmart as a source of stability, others questioned the working conditions. "At Walmart, if you work quickly, they just give you more work"; "The managers do nothing and earn more"; "They don’t guarantee you the full 40 hours, especially in that position."
An increasingly frequent debate
The testimony of this Cuban adds to others that have been published recently. In January, a young Cuban shared that he resigned from Walmart after nearly two years due to stress, excessive workload, and unequal treatment for being Latino. "I was never valued as I truly deserve," he said at the time.
On the other hand, there are also positive experiences. In February, another young Latina emphasized the benefits that Walmart offers: health insurance, mental health programs, discounts, free education, and coverage for fertility treatments. "I was surprised to learn this," she said in her video.
Additionally, another Cuban shared her experience working at the Walmart bakery and stated that she enjoys her routine, despite the effort required to learn all the tasks in the area.
Meanwhile, the case of this Cuban woman in Knoxville has sparked a broad conversation about the value of the minimum wage, the cost of living in different cities across the U.S., and the importance of seeking alternatives to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions about Salary and Working Conditions at Walmart in the U.S.
Is Walmart's salary enough to cover basic expenses in the U.S.?
No, Walmart's salary is not enough to cover all basic expenses, according to the experience shared by a Cuban resident in Knoxville, Tennessee. With a salary of approximately $2,000 a month after taxes, it becomes challenging to cover rent, food, and other necessities without additional support or extra income.
What options do Walmart employees have to increase their income?
Some employees suggest looking for additional jobs or in other sectors that offer better salaries, such as warehouses or companies like Costco. It is also recommended to pursue further education to enhance job skills and consider positions that provide bonuses and regular salary increases. Exploring more lucrative job alternatives is an option to improve income.
What are the main criticisms regarding working conditions at Walmart?
Criticism includes low salaries that do not cover basic expenses, a lack of significant salary increases, and excessive workloads. Additionally, job instability and the difficulty in securing full-time hours are points of tension for many employees.
What benefits does Walmart offer its employees?
Despite the criticisms, Walmart offers benefits such as health insurance, mental health programs, discounts, free education, and coverage for fertility treatments. These benefits can be appealing to some employees, although they do not fully compensate for the salary limitations.
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