Big Changes Could be Coming to New England Area Walmart Stores

There could be a major change coming to your local New England Walmart store that has some people very, very anxious.

Walmart is getting rid of greeters and that is causing some disabled workers to worry.

According to the Associated Press, Walmart  is planning to phase out its familiar blue-vested "greeters" at some 1,000 stores nationwide, disabled workers who fill many of those jobs say they're being unfairly targeted.

Walmart told greeters around the country last week that their positions would be eliminated on April 26 in favor of an expanded, more physically demanding "customer host" role. To qualify, they will need to be able to lift 25-pound packages, climb ladders and stand for long periods.

That came as a heavy blow to greeters with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other physical disabilities. For them, a job at Walmart has provided needed income, served as a source of pride and offered a connection to the community. Now Walmart, America's largest private employer is facing a backlash as customers rally around some of the chain's most visible and beloved employees.

Walmart says it is striving to place greeters in other jobs at the company, but workers with disabilities are worried.