Labor & Employment

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart held its annual shareholders’ meeting Friday morning against the backdrop of the company’s 50th anniversary and allegations of corruption in Mexico.

The seemingly diametrically opposed situations presented senior executives with the opportunity to underscore how the company’s unique culture and such enduring values as integrity would power future growth.

New York -- Wal-Mart Stores is expected to face scrutiny from shareholders at its annual meeting on Friday in the wake of allegations of bribery  in Mexico.

The allegations are being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and government agencies in Mexico. Wal-Mart is also conducting an internal probe.
 

PITTSBURGH — American Eagle Outfitters has named Mary Boland as EVP, chief financial and administrative officer, effective July 9. Boland’s responsibilities will include finance, investor relations, merchandise planning and allocation, strategy planning, and other administrative functions.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters announced that Mary Boland has been appointed executive VP, chief financial and administrative officer, effective July 9.

Boland’s responsibilities will include finance, investor relations, merchandise planning and allocation, strategy planning, and other administrative functions. She joins AEO from Levi Strauss & Company where she most recently served as senior VP of finance for Global Levi’s.
 

NEW YORK — JCPenney has asked a New York Federal court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the visual merchandising firm Hudson + Broad over the Plexiglass LED square frame used in the chain’s new “Fair and Square” branding campaign, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

New York -- J.C. Penney Co. has asked a New York Federal court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the visual merchandising firm Hudson + Broad over the Plexiglass LED square frame used in the chain’s new “Fair and Square” branding campaign, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

Ric Jurgens spent the past 43 years working for and building Hy-Vee into a strong regional chain and later this summer his accomplishments will be acknowledged by the Grocery Manufacturers Association when he receives the organization’s Hall of Achievement Award.

Chelmsford, Mass. -- Kronos Inc. said Thursday that its Retail Labor Index for May, which characterizes the current state of the demand and supply sides of the labor market within the U.S. retail sector, rose to 4.1%. (This index is defined as the ratio of hires to applications within a given month, expressed as a percentage. A level of 3.0% means that for every 100 applications received, three hires occurred).

The May reading of the Retail Labor Index reflected a moderate decline in hiring outpaced by a sharp drop in applications.