Walmart Investors Reject Proposal To Disclose AI Impact On Workers’ Safety And Well-Being: Report

• Shareholders voted down a proposal seeking disclosure on how AI tools impact worker safety and workplace conditions.
• Walmart is also expanding its express delivery network, including 30-minute Subway orders from in-store locations.
• Sentiment around WMT stock was ‘extremely bullish,’ with retail chatter on Stocktwits rising.

Walmart Inc. (WMT) investors reportedly voted against a shareholder proposal asking the company to report on how its use of artificial intelligence (AI) impacts worker well-being, according to preliminary results from its annual shareholders’ meeting.

The proposal, filed by investor group United for Respect, sought greater disclosure on how AI-driven tools affect employee safety and working conditions. Shareholders ultimately rejected the measure, reported Reuters.

The vote comes as Walmart continues to scale automation across its operations while competing aggressively with Amazon in fast delivery and e-commerce.

Shares of Walmart were trading marginally higher in after-hours trading on Thursday. At the time of writing, WMT stock was up 0.22%.

AI Use Sparks Debate Over Workplace Impact

Walmart associate Ava Williams said employees have repeatedly raised concerns about AI-linked performance expectations, citing “injuries, burnout, and high turnover.” She told Reuters that workers are sometimes pressured to skip key safety steps, including sanitizing shelves and checking expired products.

Walmart executives pushed back on the concerns, with Josh Allen, head of frontline training, saying the company focuses on “responsible use and human judgment,” according to the Reuters report. Allen added, “AI learning should build confidence, not pressure.”

Walmart Adds 30-Minute Express Delivery From In-Store Subway Locations

In separate news, Walmart said on Thursday it will let customers order from about 1,400 Subway locations inside its stores for delivery in as little as 30 minutes by this summer. Orders can be placed on their own or combined with Walmart’s Express Delivery service.

The move marks a new step in Walmart’s competition with platforms like Uber Technologies and DoorDash as it builds out its fast-commerce strategy.

The company said delivery will carry a flat fee with no hidden charges, while Subway pricing will match in-store menus, with some locations offering exclusive items inside Walmart stores.

This comes after Walmart launched its 30-minute-or-less delivery service across 33 U.S. markets on May 28, as it takes on Amazon in the ultra-fast delivery space. Walmart is offering access to more than 100,000 items, including groceries, household goods, electronics, and prescription deliveries. 

WMT Stock: What Retail Says

Stocktwits sentiment on WMT was trending in ‘extremely bullish’ territory on Thursday, unchanged over the past 24 hours. Message volume was also ‘extremely high’ at the time of writing. In the past seven days, message volume jumped 112%, while it surged 1,643% over the past 30 days.

Earlier this year, Walmart reached a major financial milestone with its market capitalization climbing above $1 trillion.

WMT shares have gained over 12% in the past 12 months. 

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