Wal-Mart will allow unions in China
Retailer concedes in expanding market
Wal-Mart will allow employees in its Chinese stores to form unions if they wish.
The world’s biggest retailer, which has opposed the formation of unions in its stores around the world, has conceded to calls from the Chinese union movement to grant employees’ union status.
A Wal-Mart statement said: “Should associates request formation of a union, Wal-Mart China would respect their wishes and honor its obligation under China’s Trade Union Law. Currently, there are no unions in Wal-Mart China because associates have not requested that one be formed.”
The All China Federation of Trade Unions said last month that it would sue Wal-Mart and other overseas retailers which did not allow unions. The state- controlled federation is the only group permitted to organise workers in China.
Wal-Mart currently has 39 stores in the expanding Chinese market, employing around 20,000 people. It also sources at least $15bn of products annually from Chinese manufacturers.
