At Wal-Mart these days, snowy weather is no longer an excuse for being late for work. There had better be something like a hurricane or blizzard if employees are more than 10 minutes behind the start time, or they will be on their way to a demerit. Too many demerits could lead to dismissal. These rules are part of a revised attendance policy started this autumn by Wal-Mart Stores to make its hourly workers more accountable for what the company views as excessive unexcused absences, and to formalize penalties for tardiness and absenteeism.
See "Late for work at Wal-Mart? ..", Anne D'Innocenzio, International Herald Tribune, November 1, 2006