Walmart Shareholders Reject AI Workforce Impact Report

Shareholders of Walmart have voted against a proposal seeking greater transparency on how artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting the well-being of the retail giant’s workforce.

The proposal, presented during Walmart’s annual shareholders’ meeting on Thursday, called on the company to publish a report detailing the impact of its growing use of AI on employee safety, workload and job conditions.

Workers Raise Concerns Over AI-Driven Performance Targets

The proposal was filed by investor group United for Respect amid Walmart‘s ongoing investments in artificial intelligence and automation as it competes with rivals in the e-commerce sector.

Speaking in support of the proposal, Ava Williams, an overnight employee at a Walmart store in Spokane, Washington, said AI-driven performance standards were placing increasing pressure on workers.

“I have repeatedly tried to sound the alarm” about how AI-driven employee standards are leading to “injuries, burnout, and high turnover,” Williams told shareholders.

She claimed workers were often expected to meet unrealistic deadlines and, in some cases, felt pressured to skip important tasks such as sanitising shelves and checking for expired products.

“There is zero accountability for the tools that now impact our safety,” she said.

However, Walmart defended its approach to artificial intelligence.

Josh Allen, the company’s head of frontline training, said Walmart’s AI strategy focuses on responsible use and human oversight.

“AI learning should build confidence, not pressure,” Allen said during a presentation at the company’s annual Associates Week event.

Walmart Expands AI and Automation Across Operations

Walmart, the largest private employer in the United States with about 1.6 million workers, has significantly increased its use of AI and automation across stores, warehouses and online operations.

The company has deployed technologies such as automated inventory management systems and predictive demand forecasting tools aimed at improving efficiency and speeding up deliveries.

According to Walmart, more than 60 per cent of its stores now receive shipments from automated distribution centres, while over half of its e-commerce fulfilment operations are automated.

The retailer also reported strong growth in its fast-delivery business, with sales from rapid delivery services rising by more than 50 per cent year-on-year during the first quarter.

Company executives say these investments have helped lower shipping costs and improve operational efficiency.

Shareholders Also Reject Immigration Policy Proposal

During the meeting, shareholders also voted against a separate proposal seeking a report on how changes to U.S. immigration policies could affect Walmart’s operations.

The proposal, submitted by SOC Investment Group, cited concerns that stricter immigration measures and visa restrictions could worsen labour shortages and increase operating costs.

Walmart said it had not experienced significant disruptions linked to immigration policy changes.

“Our use of employment-based visa sponsorships is actually a very small percentage of our U.S. workforce,” said Donna Morris, Walmart’s Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer.

She added that visa sponsorship is mainly used for specialised roles and forms only a small part of the company’s broader workforce planning strategy.

The voting results announced on Thursday were described as preliminary.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.