Reddit Thread Alleges Walmart Fired Sick Associate, Sparks Point System Debate

A widely viewed post on r/WalmartEmployees dated January 18 described a long-tenured associate who said they left mid-shift because they became ill and were later told they had been fired for "job abandonment." The poster said store leaders had marked the absence with "2 points" and that they were terminated the next shift, even though they had previously worked extra shifts on call.

The thread attracted hundreds of comments from current and former associates sharing similar experiences and varying interpretations of Walmart’s point and progressive-discipline systems. Many users dissected how points are assigned, how managers exercise discretion, and what constitutes grounds for immediate termination versus corrective coaching. The discussion also focused on appeal options and moving complaints up through the “open door” process.

The post highlights persistent tensions around attendance enforcement on the front line. For many associates, points are not just a record-keeping tool but a tangible threat to job security. Forum commenters described scenarios in which illness, family emergencies, or miscommunication with management resulted in points that accumulated into formal discipline. That pattern, contributors argued, can erode trust between hourly associates and supervisors and contribute to turnover among experienced staff.

Managerial discretion figured prominently in the conversation. Forum users debated whether supervisors had latitude to downgrade an absence or offer counseling in place of formal points, or whether some decisions reflected inconsistent application of policy. The possibility of retaliation also came up, with participants warning that employees who challenge discipline can face further scrutiny.

The thread served as a real-time window into worker sentiment rather than a formal audit of company policy. Still, these grassroots accounts underscore operational challenges for a large retailer: enforcing attendance rules uniformly across thousands of stores, balancing staffing needs with compassion for sick employees, and maintaining clear communication about consequences and appeal pathways. For associates, the perceived fairness of the process influences morale, willingness to take on extra shifts, and decisions about staying with the company.

For readers who are Walmart associates or managers, this episode is a reminder to document conversations, confirm attendance outcomes in writing when possible, and review the company’s progressive-discipline and appeal procedures if points are assigned. The thread also suggests more conversation ahead among front-line workers about how attendance rules are enforced and whether those policies need clearer guidance or adjustment.