Walmart paying cash bonuses to workers for good attendance

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Under a new policy, Walmart workers will be getting extra cash for not calling in sick.

The retailer announced it will give employees an additional 25 percent on top of the cash bonuses they currently receive every quarter – but only if they have perfect attendance. The policy went into effect over the weekend. 

Walmart said the goal is to give incentives to workers who limit their absences, but, at the same time, help people who must miss work for other obligations, such as taking care of a sick child or other family emergencies.

Before, hourly employees were allowed to miss up to nine days every six months for unexpected absences. Under the new policy, Walmart is cutting that down to five days. Workers will also start receiving up to six days a year of “protected PTO.” Those days can be used to cover illnesses and emergencies.