Walmart Launches Associate Electronic Pay Program

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; MasterCard Worldwide; and First Data yesterday launched a green payroll program designed to reduce the number of paper paychecks and pay stubs distributed each year to Walmart and Sam’s Club associates in the United States.

The electronic pay program will include the deployment of the Money Network MasterCard Paycard and electronic pay stubs, which will cut down on paper consumption and provide associates easier access to their wages.

“Electronic payroll is the right choice for our associates, our company and the environment,” said Tom Schoewe, EVP and CFO at Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart. “It provides our associates with fast, convenient and safe access to their pay. The program’s ability to reduce paper usage is right in line with Wal-Mart’s commitment to eliminate waste wherever we can.”

Walmart associates can receive their pay either by direct deposit or through the First Data Money Network program, and may access their wages through the Money Network MasterCard Paycard or Money Network Checks. The program is designed to provide a more flexible way for associates to access their full wages on payday even during natural disasters such as blizzards, hurricanes and floods. Associates will not need to come in on their days off or while on vacation to receive their pay, and they will have the convenience of cashing their weekly paycheck without a fee at any Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club register. The new electronic pay program is being rolled out to all U.S. associates this month.

Purchase, N.Y.-based MasterCard will be the exclusive brand for the card, which can be used anywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted, including ATMs. First Data, based in Greenwood Village, Colo., will provide the processing and reload network for the program as part of First Data’s Money Network Payroll Distribution Service.

The initiative is part of Wal-Mart’s company-wide sustainability goals. The mega-retailer is committed to being supplied 100 percent by renewable energy, creating zero waste and selling environmentally friendly products. The company is moving toward these goals by using sustainable sourcing practices, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, renewable energy and lifecycle management.

Wal-Mart operates more than 8,000 retail units under 53 different banners in 15 countries.
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