Lee Scott Brings Pot, Kettle And Black Paint To China

So, every few months Wal-Mart holds a meeting to crack down its suppliers for one reason or another. What makes this one different enough to earn coverage in every major newspaper in the country? We’re not sure, but it definitely gave Lee Scott an international podium to further shift ethical responsibilty away from Wal-Mart and tell all of China to “do as I say, not as I do.”

Women’s Wear Daily gives what is definitely one of the most absurd quotes we’ve heard from Lee Scott in a long time (links added by me, but he might as well have put them in himself ):

“I firmly believe that a company that cheats on overtime and on the age of its labor, that dumps its scraps and chemicals in our rivers, that does not pay its taxes or honor its contracts — will ultimately cheat on the quality of its products,” said Scott. “And cheating on the quality of products is the same as cheating on customers. We will not tolerate that at Wal-Mart.”

That sounds like someone I know, I just can’t put my finger on it…

A couple other interesting bits. The Financial Times quotes a grumbling supplier:

“It’s going to make things a lot worse,” said one manufacturer at the meeting, who asked not to be identified. Others were more relaxed. “If they don’t like it, they are not going to be doing business with Wal-Mart,” said one US-based Wal-Mart supplier who sources components from China.

The New York Times’ Dot Earth Blog asks what might be the fundamental question:

Wal-Mart has been working to improve its image and lighten its environmental impact for several years now. Of course, as some campaigners against over-consumption have pointed out, Wal-Mart is still selling consumerism even as it pledges to cut the social and environmental costs of making the stuff in its stores. Can we have it all? Can we have cheap shirts and disposable batteries in a world heading toward 9 billion people seeking a decent life? I guess we’ll find out one way or the other.

Posted by Eric Bull on Thursday, October 23, 2008

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COMMENTS

Can we have cheap shirts and disposable batteries in a world heading toward 9 billion people seeking a decent life? I guess we’ll find out one way or the other.~~~~~NOTE:Can we have a cheap and disposable workforce in a world heading toward 9 billion people seeking a decent life? I guess we’ll find out one way or the other..................BTW, is it just me, or do Lee Scott’s eyes look totally lifeless and non-human in the thread photo?

ddrb in
Thursday, October 23 at 04:22 PM

Would it be safe to say Wal-Mart’s honeymoon with China is just about over? Look out Africa, you’re next!

“In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican.” ~ H.L. Mencken

Ken V in Texas
Friday, October 24 at 04:34 AM

http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/Local/article/130185

Toys recalled due to lead
TORSTAR NEWS SERVICE
October 24, 2008 05:19

Health Canada has ordered thousands of toys and children’s costume jewelry items off store shelves after a Toronto Star investigation found they contained dangerously high levels of lead.

One of the items is a baby pacifier that was sold at Everything For a Dollar in Scarborough. Another is a scrapbook charm sold at Dollarama that was so poisonous Health Canada determined a child could die from swallowing the penny-sized bauble.

Using two types of high-tech tests, the Star found lead in about one in every four products bought at 18 retailers in the Greater Toronto Area. Most were made in China. The investigation found the toxic metal in a shocking range of items — from a “lead free” jewelry kit to a cuddly stuffed animal dressed as a Mountie.

Health Canada issued the recall notices after its own tests confirmed high levels of lead in six of the seven items identified by the Star. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of each item have been for sale in GTA stores.

Health Minister Tony Clement called the Star’s findings “deeply disturbing” and said enforcement of leaded products is not good enough. He pledged he would introduce a law to better protect consumers.

The recall notices were posted in the past several days on the federal agency’s website, healthycanadians.ca

Alex in Ontario, Canada
Friday, October 24 at 05:21 AM

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