By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Walmart has announced over 7,600 of its workers in Central Illinois will receive pay raises beginning with their March 10 paychecks.

The company said any employee hired before Jan. 1 will now earn at least $10 per hour. Workers already earning more than $10 per hour will see their annual pay increase starting in March instead of waiting until their anniversary date.

Walmart Lawn and Garden Department Manager in Decatur William Hay said he’s “thrilled” about the raise.

“My particular position, in the last nine months, has had a $4 an hour pay increase. That’s pretty significant,” said Hay. “It makes all the difference. Obviously, you’re trying to earn a living, support your family – I’ve got two daughters in college.”

Hay added his coworkers are excited about the raise as well.

“It just really helps the morale,” he said.

The Central Illinois employees join the more than 47,000 associates in the state and the more than 1.2 million associates across the U.S. who will be receiving the pay increase.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].