Date of publication: July 25, 2007
Source: Wall Street Journal
Author: Mei Fong
BEIJING -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it issued warnings to two Chinese suppliers following reports of labor violations at the factories, which also make official Olympic merchandise.
The development comes after the publication of an influential report last month alleging labor violations at some official Olympic suppliers, including underpaying and overworking employees and, in one case, using child labor.
The report by Playfair, an international alliance of trade unions and nongovernmental organizations, sparked an investigation by the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee and other retailers as pressure rises on China to improve its human-rights and labor records ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing...