Walmart fired long-time employee John Zaleski after he attempted to stop a known thief, citing company policy against confronting criminals. Read the full story
In Aurora, Colorado, 67-year-old Walmart employee John Zaleski received a termination notice following an incident in which he attempted to stop a thief.
The incident marked the "point of no return" for his employer, leading to his dismissal despite his years of service and previous actions against thieves.
Zaleski, who had earned the nickname "Starsky & Hutch" from his colleagues for his vigilant actions over the years, had disarmed nearly 100 thieves during his time with Walmart. Surprisingly, the company had even recognized him for his bravery in the past.
However, the latest incident, where Zaleski was stabbed in the forearm while trying to apprehend a suspected thief near her car, resulted in his termination.
A week after the incident, Zaleski was informed that Walmart's policy strictly prohibits employees from engaging with or attempting to stop thieves, regardless of the circumstances. "I can't believe that after everything I've done to protect this store, they would just let me go," Zaleski said. He expressed his frustration, noting that his actions had likely saved Walmart thousands of dollars over the years.
Despite his service and past recognition, Walmart stood by its policy, leading to Zaleski's dismissal. The decision has sparked discussions about the balance between employee safety and company policies, especially in cases where employees like Zaleski have gone above and beyond to protect their workplaces.
Stay informed on Getting our world latest news and insights by scrolling down the page to subscribe to our newsletter stay updated on global pulse
