Wal-Mart reports labor violations

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. found a decrease in the worst types of labor violations at foreign factories last year during inspections of nearly 8,900 plants where it buys clothes, toys, shoes and other products. In an annual report released Wednesday, the world’s largest retailer said its inspection program found a smaller percentage of factories had severe violations of safety, labor and environmental standards. It said challenges remain, including how to collaborate with other big companies and local governments in other countries, to make lasting improvements for workers. Religious investors who have lobbied Wal-Mart for over a decade to improve foreign factory conditions said the report was more detailed than in past years but needs to disclose more about actual working conditions as well as the company’s goals for improvements. Image source: walmartstores.com. > Continue.

News selected by Covalence | Country: Global | Company: Wal-Mart | Source: BusinessWeek