An expose of bad businesses and their unethical practices

Another report has surfaced indicating that Wal-Mart is not doing enough to insure that their suppliers are enforcing fair labor practices. This time the report is from a U.S. Senator, Byron L. Dorgan of North Dakota. Specifically, Dorgan says that Wal-Mart is selling Christmas tree ornaments that “were made in a Chinese sweatshop employing workers as young as 12 and others who work more than 100 hours a week.” 

Wal-Mart has had these problems before. It seems like that, once again, their relentless pursuit of Cheap (capital “C” intentional) has led them to lose sight of the importance of human beings in the manufacturing process. The report, originally from the National Labor Committee, alleges that workers are being paid less than half of the Chinese minimum wage and are also exposed to dangerous working conditions. 

As always, Wal-Mart says that it will investigate now that the problem has been aired publicly. They have not said why they have been repeatedly unable to prevent issues such as this from arising instead of just responding when called on their practices. Wal-Mart must take steps to insure that the human beings that produce the goods that they sell are treated fairly. Anything else is Bad Business.