WASHINGTON: Target Corp will raise its U.S. minimum wage to US$13 an hour in June, from US$12 currently, increasing its payroll costs and putting new pressure on rival Walmart Inc to attract retail workers in a tight labor market.
Walmart, the world's largest retailer and the largest U.S. private sector employer, pays workers US$11 an hour at entry-level. Walmart did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Amid the growing political pressure, other companies have also moved to raise wages. For example, Costco Wholesale Corp raised its minimum wage twice in a year and since March pays employees at least US$15 an hour.