AP: Wal-Mart Reveals Worker Diversity Data

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4734558.html

April 20, 2007, 3:13PM
Wal-Mart Reveals Worker Diversity Data

By MARCUS KABEL AP Business Writer
© 2007 The Associated Press

— Management ranks at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. saw modest increases last year in women and minorities, even though they are more abundant in the retailer's work force than in the population at large, according to figures the company released Friday.

This is just the second year that Wal-Mart, which faces the largest discrimination class-action lawsuit in U.S. history, has publicized its report to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and therefore the first time any changes can be seen.

Compared to the report on 2005, the 2006 numbers showed small increases in the overall presence of minorities and women among Wal-Mart's 1.35 million U.S. employees.

Women made up 60.9 percent of Wal-Mart's employees last year, compared to 60.5 percent the year before. Minorities were 33.1 percent versus 31.8 percent, including blacks at 17.5 percent, up from 16.8 percent.

Hispanics accounted for 11.4 percent, compared to 11.2 percent in 2005. The rate for Asians was 3.1 percent versus 2.7 percent in 2005. Native Americans were barely changed at 1.2 percent after 1.1 percent the year before.

Wal-Mart noted there were increases for minorities in all job categories, from clerks and technicians to managers and professionals.

FULL story at link.

[spooky3]

1. women are still grossly underrepresented in the higher level

ranks.

My bold prediction: Wal-Mart is going to lose the lawsuit if it doesn't settle first.