Date of publication: October 26, 2008
Source: Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Author: Steve Painter
Excerpt from article:
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is sparring with a small labor rights group that says it has documented worker abuse at a garment factory in Bangladesh that helps supply the Bentonville-based retailer’s stores.
SweatFree Communities says its report “Sweatshop Solutions: Economic Ground Zero in Bangladesh and Wal-Mart’s Responsibility” is based on interviews with more than 90 workers. Those workers, the report states, cite instances of co-workers being kicked or slapped for minor infractions, including one claim that a pregnant woman miscarried after being kicked by a line supervisor.
When Wal-Mart inspects the plant, the report contends, factory managers know ahead of time and workers are coached on what to tell the inspectors...