Walmart is changing things up with some new software that will schedule employee shifts based on traffic and not sales. This makes employees mad. Why?

• Part-time workers would rather work 3 days a week for a longer period of time than just during “rush hour” 4 days a week.

• This might mean fewer hours for employees.

• Some full-time workers feel they are likely to be replaced with “senior citizens and students,” who are available during rush hours, and who will not receive benefits.

“This is one piece of a deliberate effort to cut benefit costs through more part-time employees,” said Nu Wexler, communications director at Wal-Mart Watch, which is a Washington-based coalition of labor, religious, community and environmental groups.”

Stock holders, however, were happy with the move. Shares of Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart rose $1.37, or 3%, to $47.55. —MEGHANN MARCO

Wal-Mart rolls out scheduling software [LA Times]

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