Working at Walmart a rewarding proposition this weekend

Free food, double pay and generous merchandise discounts are available to the more than one million Walmart employees called upon to work Thanksgiving weekend.

Walmart on Wednesday highlighted some of the benefits workers at its store will receive this weekend, including a 25% discount off an entire purchase, a Thanksgiving meal throughout Black Friday shifts and double pay for employees willing to endure the madness of Black Friday events scheduled for 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

In addition to releasing details about employee benefits, Walmart use the occasion to reinforce some familiar themes about its labor situation in order to refute criticism of the company from opposition groups which tends to intensify around the holidays as organized labor seeks to discourage people from shopping at Walmart.

For example, Walmart said that on top of holiday pay and Black Friday discounts, both full- and part-time employees are eligible for quarterly bonuses based on the performance of their stores and have access to a 401k plan, education, training and workforce development opportunities. Employees also receive a discount card to save 10% on most regularly priced general merchandise, fresh fruits and vegetables at any Walmart. Advancement potential is another key theme Walmart likes to tout. More than 160,000 employees will be promoted this year to jobs with increased responsibility and more pay, according to the company.