Wal-Mart launches new scheduling system

NEW YORK (AP) — Wal-Mart, the nation's largest private employer, has launched a new scheduling system in about 650 Neighborhood Market stores that gives hourly workers more certainty about their schedules.

The system was launched in late July and could be eventually rolled out to all 4,600 U.S. Wal-Mart stores, said Mark Ibbotson, Wal-Mart's executive vice president of central operations.

The plan is part of an overall strategy to boost customer service at the stores and therefore boost sales.