Can You Work for Both Walmart and Amazon at the Same Time in Canada or the USA?

Understanding Moonlighting

Moonlighting is the practice of taking a second job outside of regular working hours. This enables employees to earn extra income while maintaining their primary job. However, the practice can lead to conflicts of interest, especially when working at competing companies like Walmart and Amazon. In this article, we will explore the policies and regulations surrounding moonlighting for these two giants in the retail sector, specifically in Canada and the United States of America (USA).

Walmart’s Stance on Moonlighting

Walmart has strict guidelines against moonlighting, particularly for its management associates and salaried associates. The company's Code of Ethics clearly states that employees should not work for a competitor while holding a management or salaried position. Hourly associates, on the other hand, must consult with their managers to determine if a conflict of interest exists before accepting employment with a competitor.

Conflict of Interest and Walmart's Policies

Employees are explicitly forbidden from using their Walmart roles to promote their side businesses. Any side business must not interfere with work at Walmart, and must not use Walmart resources, including discount cards. Furthermore, these side businesses are prohibited from supplying products to any current or potential Walmart supplier, especially if there is a conflict of interest or competitive relationship.

Amazon’s Perspective on Moonlighting

Amazon's policies around conflicts of interest are equally stringent. Employees are expected to act in the best interests of Amazon at all times. A conflict of interest can arise if an employee or a family member benefits personally from the job position. Additionally, any business or personal relationships with customers, suppliers, competitors, or other employees can impair an employee's objective business judgment.

Regulations and Conflicts of Interest in Both Countries

Both Walmart and Amazon require employees to adhere to strict guidelines to avoid conflicts of interest. In certain cases, public sector employees must also check agency regulations or federal laws. For example, federal government employees are prohibited from receiving two sources of income from the same federal agency.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

From a legal standpoint, the rules and regulations can vary between Canada and the USA. In Canada, the Public Service Commission (PSPC) sets guidelines for civil servants, including a ban on receiving two sources of income from the same government department. In the USA, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) provides extensive guidelines, particularly for federal government employees.

Conclusion

While it is technically possible to work for both Walmart and Amazon in Canada or the USA, it is crucial to adhere to the policies and regulations set by both companies. Moonlighting requires careful planning and adherence to the guidelines to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. Understanding and following these rules will ensure that employees can maintain their integrity and continue to work without hindrance.

Related Keywords

moonlighting Walmart Amazon Canada USA

References

[1] Walmart’s Code of Ethics. _of_ethics.pdf

[2] Amazon’s Conflict of Interest Policies. relations/guidelines-conflicts-of-interest