Wal-Mart takes action on Uzbekistan child labor

[Coventina]

Source: International Herald Tribune

BENTONVILLE, Arkansas: Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Tuesday it has told suppliers to stop acquiring cotton from Uzbekistan to try and put an end to forced child labor in cotton harvesting.

The world's largest retailer said it has formed a coalition representing 90 percent of U.S. purchases of cotton and cotton-based merchandise.

"There is no tolerance for forced child labor in the Wal-Mart supply chain," said Rajan Kamalanathan, Wal-Mart's vice president of ethical standards.

On Sept. 12, the Uzbekistan government issued a plan detailing steps to stop the use of child labor, following a letter from a number of industry trade groups demanding the end of forced child labor in cotton harvesting.



Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/09/30/business/NA-US-Wal-Mart-Child-Labor.php

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Well, stick me in the freezer and call me a popsicle! Wal-Mart does something good for a change!

[Ian David]

1. Now, the child labor will need to be voluntary. n/t

[Gap Spanner]

2. I wonder what their definition of 'child' is?

...and if paying them a few pennies an hour is okay, since it's not 'forced?'

[pattmarty]

3. Now it's time they did something more.............like paying their employees better.

[HopeHoops]

4. Sounds like someone blew a specific whistle - Wal-Mart EXISTS because of child labor!