Shareholders of Walmart have voted against a proposal that would have required the retail giant to publish a report examining how artificial intelligence and automation affect employee well-being, according to preliminary results from the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting.
The proposal, submitted by investor advocacy group United for Respect, called on Walmart to provide greater transparency regarding the impact of AI-driven systems on workplace conditions, including employee safety, job security, training opportunities, and compensation. Supporters argued that increased use of algorithmic management tools could contribute to workplace stress, burnout, and higher injury risks.
Speaking in favor of the proposal, Walmart employee Ava Williams said AI-based productivity standards had created unrealistic expectations for workers and contributed to unsafe working conditions. She urged shareholders to support stronger oversight of technologies increasingly used to manage employee performance.
Walmart management opposed the proposal, stating that the company already maintains policies promoting the responsible use of AI and that existing disclosures are sufficient. Company executives have emphasized that AI tools are intended to support employees rather than replace human judgment.
The measure received approximately 4.95% of votes cast, far short of the support needed for approval. Shareholders also rejected several other proposals, including requests for reports on workplace safety governance and the potential impact of U.S. immigration policy changes on the company.
The vote comes as Walmart accelerates investments in automation and artificial intelligence across its stores, warehouses, and e-commerce operations. The retailer has expanded the use of predictive inventory systems, automated fulfillment technologies, and demand forecasting tools as it competes with rivals in the fast-growing online delivery market. More than half of Walmart’s e-commerce fulfillment volume is now automated, according to company disclosures.
The outcome reflects a broader trend among major U.S. corporations, where shareholder proposals seeking additional oversight of AI deployment have generally struggled to gain investor support despite growing public debate over the technology’s impact on workers.