Chicago - Walmart Stores said it would raise entry-level wages to $9 an hour, a 24% increase from the US minimum wage that some employees now earn, succumbing to longstanding pressure to pay its workforce more.
The world's largest retailer said the increases would cost it $1 billion and impact 500 000 employees, or about 40% of its workforce, although the hike falls short of what some labour groups have been agitating for.
The move comes amid a growing debate in the US over the widening gulf between the rich and low-income workers. Walmart has been a prime target of critics who say its low-wages and inflexible scheduling are a big part of the problem.