Wal-Mart in China: The High Cost of Low Prices

Publication Date: 

October 25, 2006

Author: 

ILRF

Millions of consumers across the United States buy products from Wal-mart and other brands bearing the “Made in China” label. However, behind the label lies the exploitation of Chinese workers.

In order to keep prices low for US consumers, Wal-mart suppliers take advantage of the abusive environment toward workers in China. Factories in China are characterized by harsh conditions and mistreatment of workers. Many factories are unsafe, do not pay a living wage, force workers to work overtime without extra pay, do not offer vacations or

maternity leave and are run by managers who verbally abuse workers.

This report will present a case study of one factory in China, the Winbo Industrial Co., Ltd.