November 27, 2004

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  CHINA: Wal-Mart Allows Unions BBC News November 24th, 2004

  Wal-Mart, known for its anti-union stance, has come under pressure from Chinese authorities in recent months to modify its position.  The All-China Federation of Trade Unions has threatened legal action against foreign businesses over the right to organise workers at their Chinese operations. Unions currently only operate at one Wal-Mart store, in Canada. Wal-Mart had previously said that it would not allow unions to operate, saying that it preferred to deal with its 20,000 Chinese employees directly. "Currently there are no unions in Wal-Mart China because associates have not requested that one be formed," the company said in a statement. "Should associates request formation of a union, Wal-Mart China would respect their wishes and honour its obligation under China's Trade Union Law."  Earlier this year, China's national legislature conducted an investigation into how companies were complying with the country's labour laws. It found that several leading multinational firms, including Wal-Mart, were resisting efforts to set up union branches.

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