Low Scores for Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. got an “F” on its report card from consumer watchdog group Co-op America, which scored eight major retailers on sweatshop practices. Wal-Mart’s low mark was attributed to its documented business transactions with sweatshop factories in Central America and Southeast Asia, where workers alleged that Wal- Mart’s pressure to keep prices low have pushed some suppliers into labor-code violations. The nonprofit group also cited the Los Angeles–based Tarrant Apparel Group for firing employees who tried to unionize in Mexico and WINS San Francisco for delays in paying workers. The J.C. Penney Co., the Target Corp., and Sears, Roebuck and Co. each received a grade of “D,” and Federated Department Stores Inc. (including Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s) and the Robinson-May Co. (including David’s Bridal and Hecht’s) each received a “C.” The scorecard is located at www.sweatshops.org.
