Walmart Firing & Termination Policy In 2026 (Your Full Guide)

Living in the era of online shopping with Amazon Prime‘s one-day delivery, you still find yourself stepping into the blue branded Walmart for the low prices and convenience. As you peruse the shelves, you probably don‘t think much about the associates stocking merchandise in their signature navy blue vests.

But for Walmart‘s massive workforce, those policies on firing and termination are an ever-present concern. Getting fired can happen fast at the world‘s largest company.

As a picky shopper, you want the inside scoop on Walmart‘s firing policies from a consumer‘s perspective. I‘ve done the research for you as an ex-retail manager and current deals expert. Consider this your insider‘s guide to termination at Wally World.

Why Can Walmart Fire Me?

With 1.6 million U.S. associates, Walmart has to maintain strict policies to manage such a vast workforce. Here are the key facts:

• At-Will Employment: Like most retailers, Walmart uses at-will contracts, meaning you can be fired at any time for any basic reason. No notice is required by law.
• No Required Cause: Walmart does not have to provide a reason for firing you outside of discrimination. It can be no reason at all.
• Discrimination Protections: Your race, age, gender, religion, disability etc. are protected classes. Firing based on those factors is illegal.

So Walmart‘s firing power is broad. But it‘s not total firing freedom. Let‘s look deeper into reasons you‘ll often get fired.

Top Reasons People Get Fired From Walmart

Don‘t be scared off. Most associates stick around for the long haul. Here are the most frequent causes of termination:

Attendance Issues

• Calling in sick
• Missing shifts
• Showing up late
• Job abandonment

This causes “points” leading to firing, which we‘ll cover soon.

Performance Problems

• Consistently negative evaluations
• Not meeting expectations
• Customer complaints

Support is given first before termination for poor performers.

Theft

• Stealing merchandise
• Stealing cash (big issue for cashiers)
• Colluding with customers

Walmart prosecutes thieves. Don‘t do it.

Misconduct

• Harassment of employees/customers
• Violence or threats
• Dangerous behaviors

Zero tolerance here. You‘ll be gone fast.

Policy Violations

• Dress code
• Cell phone usage
• Confidentiality breach
• Social media infractions

Seem small but are heavily enforced.

Now let‘s examine the dreaded points system leading to many terminations.

Walmart‘s Employee Point System

Walmart tracks employee attendance and disciplinary issues using a point system. Here‘s how it works:

• 1 point for calling in sick or an unscheduled absence
• 2 points for punching out early without approval
• 3 points max for multiple consecutive absent days
• 4 points for a no call/no show
• 5 points total gets you fired

Points expire and reset after 6 months. But accumulating 5 active points results in automatic termination.

Here‘s a quick table summarizing the points:

Point System Violation	Points Received
Calling in sick	1 point
Leaving early	2 points
Consecutive absent days	Up to 3 points
No call/no show	4 points
Total points for termination	5 points

This system is strictly enforced to keep stores staffed. Now let‘s see how easily you can rack up points.

Is It Easy to Get Fired for Points?

Contrary to popular belief, most Walmart associates don‘t get fired solely for attendance points. Here are the stats:

• 6+ Years Tenure: Only 2% of long-term associates are fired for points.
• 6 Months or Less: New hires have a 7% firing rate for points during their probation period.
• Average Tenure: Walmart associates average 1.5 years with the company.

So developing chronic attendance problems takes time. But it does happen, especially with new associates. You won‘t get fired for a single sick day if you have no other issues.

Calling in properly, being communicative, and protecting your points balance keeps the firing odds low. Now let‘s walk through the termination process.

Step-by-Step: How Walmart Fires Employees

Getting that termination notice is no fun. But Walmart has a protocol to follow:

Suspension Pending Investigation

For serious alleged violations like theft or harassment, you‘ll be suspended 1-2 weeks while Walmart investigates. You can‘t work or earn pay during this time.

Notice of Termination Meeting

Your direct supervisor will contact you to schedule a termination meeting. This provides notice the meeting is to fire you.

The Termination Meeting

This is it. Your supervisor will explain why you are being fired, have you sign paperwork, and provide your final paycheck. HR may attend.

The Exit Interview

You‘ll need to complete an exit interview to transition benefit info, discuss rehire eligibility, and hand over company property.

Escorted Out

Standard practice is you‘ll be escorted out by security or a salaried manager. Harsh but standard retail practice.

Final Paycheck

Final pay must be provided at termination. If not, contact HR. Unpaid wages can be recovered.

And that‘s the firing process. Now I‘ll tell you how to get rehired if you get terminated.

Can You Get Rehired at Walmart After Being Fired?

Yes, it‘s possible to get rehired at Walmart. But your chances depend on why you were terminated and how you left things with your former store.

Here are the best practices to get rehired after termination:

• Wait at least 90 days before reapplying to any Walmart. The longer the better.
• Strongly consider applying to a different Walmart location rather than your previous store.
• Contact your former store manager and ask if they will rehire you. Their support means a lot if you reapply to the same store.
• Termination for serious misconduct like theft makes rehire nearly impossible. Don‘t bother trying.
• If fired for non-misconduct reasons like attendance or performance issues, highlight how you‘ve improved during applications and interviews.
• When terminated, ask about rehire eligibility in your exit interview. Find out if you‘re marked as rehireable in Walmart‘s system.

With effort and patience, rejoining the Walmart team is achievable. Now let‘s talk about avoiding termination in the first place.

9 Pro Tips to Avoid Getting Fired From Walmart

As a picky Walmart shopper, getting fired from your cashier gig means no employee discount! Here are insider tips to keep your job:

1. Manage your points balance

Stay under 5 active points by minimizing call-ins and absences. Use PTO if you‘ll go over.

2. Communicate about absences

If an emergency arises, keep your manager updated to avoid no call/no shows.

3. Don‘t violate policies

Follow the rules on behavior, cell phones, confidentiality, social media, etc.

4. Meet performance expectations

Ask for feedback and support if you‘re struggling with tasks and duties.

5. Don‘t steal – for any reason

Even small things like food can start a quick path to prosecution and termination.

6. Avoid conflicts

Personality clashes happen, but never retaliate or act inappropriately towards others.

7. Be engaged and positive

Never talk negatively about Walmart or management to other associates.

8. Ask questions

If you‘re unsure about policies, procedures, or expectations, ask management for guidance.

9. Report concerns

If you witness dangerous behaviors, harassment, or violations, use the anonymous ethics hotline.

Stick to these tips and termination talk will stay away. But if the worst happens, at least you know the rehire process.

Let‘s wrap up with a quick guide summary.

Walmart Termination Policy Recap

Here are the key takeaways about Walmart‘s firing policies:

• Walmart can fire at-will for any basic reason due to at-will employment.
• Most terminations result from attendance points, performance issues, misconduct, policy violations, or theft.
• 5 attendance points in 6 months lead to automatic termination. Points expire after 6 months.
• Rehire is possible depending on why you were fired and manager relationships. Wait 90 days minimum before reapplying.
• Avoid termination by managing points, meeting expectations, communicating, and following policies.

Now you‘re an expert on getting fired and rehired at Wally World! Use your insider tips to keep that employee discount.