NEW YORK (AP) – Wal-Mart is launching a new scheduling system in nearly 700 Neighborhood Market stores that gives hourly workers more certainty about their schedules. Executive Vice President Mark Ibbotson said Thursday it was launched in late July and could be rolled out to all 4,600 U.S. Wal-Mart stores. Workers have two options. Fixed shifts guarantee the same weekly hours for up to six months. Those with unfixed schedules can choose based on the hours offered. Wal-Mart says it will better predict the staff needed during peak hours and where and when to deploy them. It comes amid pressure from workers at Wal-Mart and elsewhere for more control over their schedules. After Starbucks employees complained about securing enough shifts, CEO Howard Schultz said the company would work to ensure they have enough hours.
