Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said on Thursday it contributed $1.1 billion to U.S. hourly associates through profit sharing and 401(k) accounts, stock purchase plans and merchandise discounts in its last fiscal year. It was the first time that Wal-Mart, which faces criticism from labor groups and politicians for its pay and health-care practices, disclosed the contributions. Spokeswoman Sarah Clark said the retailer was not providing previous figures. Earlier this year, Wal-Mart said it was paying almost $530 million in bonuses to hourly U.S. store employees, marking the first time the retailer had released the bonuses.
See "Wal - Mart Outlines $1.1 Bln in Employee Benefits", Reuters, The New York Times, May 2, 2007