(Washington, D.C.) – Joe Hansen, International President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) today released the following statement in response to the New York Times ongoing reporting on Walmart’s corruption and purported cover-up by senior company officials.
“The New York Times reported today that Walmart’s own internal reviews show more extensive corruption and internal cover-up than previously reported or admitted to by the company. Walmart CEO Mike Duke and Chairman Rob Walton have failed to take any responsibility to shareholders, associates or the federal government for their leadership of the company in the face of reported illegal conduct.
“High paid public relations campaigns cannot undo illegal activity. Walmart paid lip service to the bribery scandal and, even worse, engaged in illegal activities to silence its associates. Walmart shareholders, associates and customers deserve answers.
“The reported cover-up by Walmart executives at the highest levels exposes a core truth: Walmart cannot be taken at its word. We ask that Congress immediately convene hearings to examine whether Walmart’s U.S. operations were engaged in any illegal or unethical practices, and whether they continue to do so.”
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The UFCW represents 1.3 million workers, 250,000 in the meatpacking and poultry industries. UFCW members also work in the health care, garment, chemical, distillery and retail industries. For more information about the UFCW’s effort to protect workers’ rights and strengthen America’s middle class, visit www.ufcw.org, or join our online community at http://www.facebook.com/UFCWinternational and www.twitter.com/ufcw.
Making Change at Walmart is a campaign challenging Walmart to help rebuild our economy and strengthen working families. Anchored by UFCW, we are a coalition of Walmart associates, union members, small business owners, religious leaders, women advocacy groups, multi-ethnic coalitions, elected officials, and ordinary citizens who believe that changing Walmart is vital for the future of our country.
