As a former employee, I unfortunately know far too well about Walmart's unfair minimum wage practices. The company expects a lot out of its employees, many of which work very hard but struggle to make ends meet. A new dress code, which took effect on September 29, 2014, requires Walmart sales floor associates to buy clothing (navy blue or white collared shirts, khaki or black pants, capris, etc.) with their own money. 

I am infuriated that Walmart is using the term dress code instead of uniform, which it clearly is, to put the cost of the clothes onto their employees. I'm urging Walmart to provide all employees with a clothing allowance or reimbursement for the new dress code.

Nearly 40 percent of Walmart employees work part-time, and many have to work two jobs because they get paid near minimum wage. I understand how hard it is for many employees to live paycheck to paycheck, and I know that any other unplanned costs can wreck a person's budget. This policy puts a major yet unnecessary financial burden on employees -- the people who help the company be greatly successful.

According to Walmart's website, a recent report states that its "consolidated net sales for the second quarter increased more than $3.2 billion, or 2.8 percent, to $119.3 billion." I think they have enough money to provide the resources to meet this policy change. Walmart always prides itself on being about the people, but their actions say otherwise.

Do not put the burden of cost on your hard working employees, provide them with reimbursement or an allowance for the purchase of new clothing for your new dress code.