Walmart Inc. controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
Jury rules against Walmart in disability discrimination lawsuit
Ruling
A federal jury in Wisconsin found that Walmart failed to accommodate Marlo Spaeth’s disability and fired her because of it, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The jury awarded her punitive and compensatory damages.
Source excerpt
The jury also awarded Spaeth $150,000 in compensatory damages, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said Friday in announcing the ruling.
The jury found that Walmart failed to accommodate Spaeth’s disability and fired her because of it, which is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the EEOC said.
The jury in federal court in Green Bay awarded Marlo Spaeth more than $125 million in punitive damages on Thursday, but a Walmart spokesman said Friday that under federal law, that will be reduced to the maximum allowed, which is $300,000.
2021
CHECKOUT sues Walmart over alleged business suppression
Lawsuit filed
South African supermarket chain CHECKOUT sued Walmart in KwaZulu-Natal, alleging that Walmart improperly suppressed its business after acquiring supplier Shield, including by reducing CHECKOUT’s credit limit without notice in 2017. The source reports the allegations and does not provide a court determination.
Source excerpt
然而美国沃尔玛集团收购Shield以后，开始拓展自营连锁超市，于2017年不经通知就削减了信贷额度，这对其运营造成了毁灭性影响。
为此CHECKOUT已经在南非夸祖鲁纳塔尔省向沃尔玛（Walmart）集团提起诉讼。
2021
Walmart responds to racist signup emails
Company response
After people received Walmart welcome emails containing racial slurs from accounts created using false information, Walmart said it was investigating, contacted affected individuals to apologize, confirmed the new accounts would be deleted, and was working to strengthen its sign-up process.
Stated objective. Walmart said it was working to change the sign-up process to prevent a similar incident from happening again.
Company response
Investigation — Walmart
The spokesperson also said that Walmart is working to change its sign-up process for new customers to prevent a similar incident from happening again.
Apology — Walmart
A Walmart spokesperson told Insider Tuesday said that the company was investigating the incident and had contacted the individuals impacted to apologize and confirm that the new accounts would be deleted.
Remediation — Walmart
The spokesperson also said that Walmart is working to change its sign-up process for new customers to prevent a similar incident from happening again.
Source excerpt
A Walmart spokesperson told Insider Tuesday said that the company was investigating the incident and had contacted the individuals impacted to apologize and confirm that the new accounts would be deleted.
The Arkansas-based company faced dozens of complaints on social media on Monday after some people received "Welcome to Walmart" emails containing the racial slurs.
Walmart said Tuesday that it will beef up security of its customer sign-up process online after someone set up dozens of accounts using racist slurs.
2021
Court dismisses data-breach claims against Walmart
Ruling
In Gardiner v. Walmart, the court granted Walmart’s motion to dismiss claims alleging that unauthorized individuals accessed the plaintiff’s personal information through Walmart’s website. The dismissal was with leave to amend; the article reports the alleged breach and Walmart maintains that no breach occurred.
Source excerpt
Lavarious Gardiner filed a proposed class action against Walmart, alleging that unauthorized individuals accessed his personal information through Walmart’s website.
(and maintains that no breach occurred)
In response, Walmart filed a motion to dismiss, which was granted on March 5, 2021 (of note – with leave to amend).
2021
York Region lockdown enforcement fines
Fine or penalty
York Region enforcement actions under the Reopening Ontario Act included charges and fines against Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart locations for violations of COVID-19 public-health measures. The article also reports that a Costco manager was charged; it does not say Costco itself was fined.
Source excerpt
Five Walmart stores, five Shoppers Drug Marts and a Costco are among the "essential" businesses that have been charged under the Reopening Ontario Act in York Region since Jan. 11, the municipality announced yesterday.
five Shoppers Drug Mart Stores — all of them in Markham — received $880 fines for failing to sanitize self-checkout stations after use.
One at 3600 Major Mackenzie Drive W. in Vaughan was dinged $880 for overcrowding and a lack of physical distancing.
2020
Fire at Hutchinson Walmart store
Safety incident
A fire was deliberately set in the men's clothing department of a Walmart store in Hutchinson, Minnesota. The store was evacuated, nobody was injured, and it remained closed; estimated damage was $1 million to $2 million.
Source excerpt
On Sunday afternoon, the Walmart Store located in Hutchinson was evacuated for a fire.
That is a lot of damage to the store, which remains closed at this time.
Nobody was injured during the fire.
2020
Walmart sued over employee’s COVID-19 death
Lawsuit filed
The family of Walmart employee Wando Evans filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Walmart in Illinois, alleging negligence in the company’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, including inadequate disinfection and failure to warn employees about symptoms among workers. Walmart said it reinforced cleaning and sanitizing measures and would respond to the complaint in court.
Company response
Remediation — Walmart
we took action to reinforce our cleaning and sanitizing measures, which include a deep-cleaning of key areas.
Source excerpt
In a lawsuit filed in Cook County court, Evans’ family accused Walmart of negligence that contributed to his death, including a failure to adequately disinfect the store, adhere to social distancing guidelines and warn other employees that some workers were displaying symptoms.
The family of a Walmart employee in Illinois, who died from complications related to COVID-19, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the retailer Monday, accusing the company of negligence in its response to the coronavirus pandemic.
2020
Walmart faces backlash over ‘All Lives Matter’ T-shirt listing
Public backlash
Walmart faced online criticism for selling an “All Lives Matter” T-shirt. Walmart Canada said a third-party seller listed the items, said it would review them, and the product had been removed from its Canadian website by Thursday morning; it remained available in the US.
Company response
Investigation — Walmart Canada
the company would review those items to ensure they complied with Walmart's terms and conditions.
Source excerpt
As of Thursday morning, the product had been removed from Walmart Canada's website but was still available in the US.
the company would review those items to ensure they complied with Walmart's terms and conditions.
Walmart is being criticized for selling a T-shirt with the words "All Lives Matter."
2020
USDA recalls ground beef products sold at Walmart over possible E. coli contamination
Recall announced
The United States Department of Agriculture recalled nearly 43,000 pounds of ground beef products on Saturday after officials found possible E. coli contamination. The recalled products were sold under the Thomas Farm, Marketside Butcher Organic Grass-Fed Ground Beef Patties, and Value Pack Fresh Ground Beef brand names, and were sold at Walmart and other stores nationwide. The article reports no adverse reactions.
Source excerpt
The products were sold at Walmart and other stores nationwide, USA Today reported.
While there have been no reports of adverse reactions from consuming the products, officials urged customers not to consume them.
They were sold under brand names Thomas Farm, Marketside Butcher Organic Grass-Fed Ground Beef Patties, and Value Pack Fresh Ground Beef, which are available in retail locations across the country.
2020
Walmart sues Marshfield over store property assessment
Lawsuit filed
Walmart filed a civil lawsuit against Marshfield, Wisconsin, disputing the $10.7 million assessment of its store and asserting that the property was worth $5 million. Walmart seeks a refund of excess real estate taxes plus interest.
Source excerpt
The city has assessed the Marshfield Walmart, 2001 N, Central Ave., at $10.7 million in property value, according to the civil complaint, which states the company believes the store is worth $5 million.
An attorney with Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin and Brown, a Milwaukee-based law firm, filed a civil case against Marshfield on Thursday in Marathon County Circuit Court.
Walmart wants the city to refund the "excessive real estate taxes imposed" on the store plus interest, according to the lawsuit.
2020
West Virginia sues Walmart and CVS over opioids
Lawsuit filed
West Virginia filed a civil lawsuit against Walmart and CVS, alleging that the companies supplied more opioids to their retail pharmacies than legitimate demand warranted and failed to monitor and report suspicious orders. The complaints seek injunctive and equitable relief. The allegations are contained in the state's civil complaints; no further details on parties, amounts, or outcomes are provided in the source.
West Virginia sued Walmart and CVS, alleging that they supplied more opioids to their retail pharmacies than legitimate demand warranted and failed to monitor and report suspicious orders. The civil complaints seek injunctive and equitable relief.
Source excerpt
The lawsuits allege conduct by Wal-Mart and CVS violated the state's Consumer Credit and Protection Act and caused a public nuisance.
The civil complaints, filed Tuesday in Putnam County Circuit Court, do not assert claims related to either company's role in dispensing opioids to patients, but maintain that such retail data offered Wal-Mart and CVS unique knowledge and notice that their operations were meeting more than a legitimate market demand.
2020
Greenpeace sues Walmart over plastic recyclability claims
Lawsuit filed
Greenpeace filed a lawsuit against Walmart alleging that Walmart products labeled as recyclable are not accepted or processed by most recycling facilities. The environmental organization contended that such labeling violates California false-advertising and environmental-marketing laws. The dispute centers on whether the recyclable claims on Walmart product packaging are misleading given the limited acceptance of those materials by recycling facilities.
Company response
Denial — Walmart
We deny Greenpeace's allegations and intend to defend the company
Source excerpt
This mislabeling of products breaks California laws regarding false advertising and environmental marketing, Greenpeace contends.
In a lawsuit filed last week in California state court, Greenpeace eviscerates a variety of plastic items sold under Walmart's private labels.
So far, instead of working to reduce their plastic footprint in a significant way, they are greenwashing.
2020
Walmart apologizes for tweet about Senator Josh Hawley
Company response
Walmart issued an apology after a member of its social media team posted a tweet that called Senator Josh Hawley a "#soreloser." According to Walmart, the tweet was posted by mistake, and the company stated that it had removed the post. The company's statement characterized the posting as an error by a member of its social media team and confirmed the tweet's deletion. No further details about the incident were provided in the source account.
Walmart apologized after a member of its social media team posted a tweet calling Senator Josh Hawley a “#soreloser.” Walmart said the tweet was mistakenly posted and that it had removed it.
Company response
Apology — Walmart
We apologize to Senator Hawley for this error and any confusion about our position.
Source excerpt
Walmart on Wednesday apologized to Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) after its official corporate account tweeted that he was a “sore loser” for planning to object to the presidential election certification process during a joint congressional session next week.
“We deleted the post and have no intention of commenting on the subject of certifying the electoral college,” Walmart tweeted. “We apologize to Senator Hawley for this error and any confusion about our position.”
Walmart's tweet was originally posted in response to the Missouri senator's decision to object when Congress meets next week to tally the results of the presidential election.
2020
Walmart apologizes for Paul Walker tweet
Company response
Walmart apologized to Paul Walker’s family, friends and fans after posting and deleting a tweet joking about the late actor and a car-safety slogan.
Company response
Apology — Walmart
The supermarket giant said sorry “to Paul Walker’s family, friends and fans” for posting a tweet in “poor judgement” Thursday
Source excerpt
The supermarket giant said sorry “to Paul Walker’s family, friends and fans” for posting a tweet in “poor judgement” Thursday, USA Today reported.
Walmart quickly deleted the tweet, but not before several users screenshotted the offensive post.
Walmart has apologized for offending some furious fans.
2019
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act investigation
Walmart and its Brazil-based subsidiary agreed to criminal and civil resolutions concerning alleged failures in anti-corruption controls and alleged improper conduct connected with international operations in Brazil, China, India, and Mexico. The Department of Justice reported a combined criminal penalty of $137 million and a related SEC disgorgement resolution of $144 million.
2019
Former Wal-Mart employee files retaliation lawsuit
Lawsuit filed
Mary Thomas filed a $125,000 lawsuit against Wal-Mart after alleging she was fired for complaining that she did not receive adequate break time to pump breast milk. Her attorney alleged that the company retaliated; a Wal-Mart spokesman said the allegations were not consistent with company policy.
Company response
Denial — Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart spokesman Randy Hargrove says what Thomas has alleged is not consistent with company policy.
Source excerpt
Wal-Mart spokesman Randy Hargrove says what Thomas has alleged is not consistent with company policy.
Thomas’ attorney says the Arkansas-based company retaliated when management fired her six days after she asked for a break at the beginning of her shift.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Friday that Mary Thomas filed the $125,000 lawsuit this week against the retail giant after her initial Sept. 13 complaint against the Oregon store.
2019
Walmart recalls Great Value sausage products over salmonella concerns
Recall announced
Walmart announced a recall of more than 6,000 pounds of Great Value ready-to-eat sausage products over salmonella concerns. Customers were advised not to consume the products and to return them to Walmart or the place of purchase for a full refund.
Company response
Refund or compensation — Walmart
Customers are advised not to consume the product and instead return it to Walmart or the place of purchase for a full refund.
Source excerpt
Customers are advised not to consume the product and instead return it to Walmart or the place of purchase for a full refund.
The company announced the recall over the weekend for products sold in Central Ohio with sell-by dates between October 24th and November 5th.
Retail giant Walmart is recalling over six-thousand pounds of Great Value brand ready-to-eat sausage products over concerns of salmonella.
2019
Beef recall warning updated to include Walmart sales locations
Recall announced
A food recall warning concerning raw beef and veal products was updated to include additional product information. The recall was issued because of possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. The updated warning listed sales locations that included Walmart stores in Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec. The notice did not specify further details beyond the recalled products and the retail locations where they were sold.
A food recall warning for raw beef and veal products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination was updated with additional product information; the listed sales locations included Walmart in Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec.
Source excerpt
Various raw beef and raw veal products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.
A food recall warning that was issued on October 12 has been updated to include additional product information. Locations of recalled product sales now include Walmart, Pusateri’s Fine Foods, and others in Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec.
2019
Walmart settles disability discrimination lawsuit
Settlement
Walmart agreed to pay a former worker $80,000 in back wages and to change its national policies in order to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The U.S. District Court in Bangor approved the settlement on Thursday.
Source excerpt
According to the settlement, which was approved by U.S. District Court in Bangor on Thursday, Walmart must offer a qualified disabled worker a job reassignment to a vacant position in up to five nearby stores, not just the employee’s so-called home store.
Walmart Inc. has agreed to pay a former Augusta worker $80,000 in back wages and change its national policies to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
2019
Walmart and Tesla settle solar-panel dispute
Settlement
Walmart and Tesla announced that they had resolved the issues raised by Walmart in its lawsuit over rooftop solar systems after fires were alleged at seven Walmart stores. The settlement terms were not disclosed.
Source excerpt
Walmart has dropped a lawsuit that accused Tesla of breach of contract and gross negligence after rooftop solar panel systems on seven of the retailer’s stores allegedly caught fire.
A settlement has been reached and stipulation of dismissal has been filed with the court, a Walmart spokesperson said in an email.
The two companies issued a joint release Tuesday announcing that the issues raised by Walmart have been resolved.