Walmart shareholders rejected a proposal to disclose AI's impact on worker safety, even as the company expands automation and launches rapid-delivery services including 30-minute Subway orders.

What happened: Walmart investors voted down a shareholder proposal filed by United for Respect that sought greater disclosure on how AI-driven tools affect employee safety and working conditions. The vote took place at the company's annual shareholders' meeting.

Why it matters: Walmart associate Ava Williams reported that employees have raised concerns about AI-linked performance expectations, citing injuries, burnout, and high turnover, and that workers are sometimes pressured to skip safety steps such as sanitizing shelves and checking expired products. Walmart executives countered that the company focuses on responsible use and human judgment. The rejection comes as Walmart continues to scale automation across its operations.

What to watch: Walmart said on Thursday it will let customers order from about 1,400 Subway locations inside its stores for delivery in as little as 30 minutes by this summer. The company launched its 30-minute-or-less delivery service across 33 U.S. markets on May 28, offering access to more than 100,000 items including groceries, household goods, electronics, and prescription deliveries.